Toll Group purchases Air Support Queensland
Australian transport conglomerate the Toll Group has acquired uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) operator Air Support Queensland (ASQ)
Toll said that ‘together with its existing aviation business’, the acquisition of ASQ will allow it to ‘deliver integrated operations and support to military, aeromedical, search and rescue, airborne law enforcement, resource sector and utility aviation operations’.
ASQ’s existing training and operational capabilities will be integrated with Toll’s existing rotary and fixed-wing businesses to streamline operations and improve the sharing of expertise between uncrewed aerial vehicle operators and conventional aviation.
“The acquisition strengthens our current offerings and provides the opportunity to integrate these emerging technologies in an innovative manner,” said Toll Group’s Executive General Manager, Government & Defence, Mr Perry Singh. “ASQ’s expertise and capabilities are key to Toll achieving our strategic objective to become the pre-eminent provider of more complex and higher-end UAS operations and training in Australia and the region.”
The drone industry is undergoing a rapid expansion at the present time, with the global market for firefighting drones alone projected to reach $8.98 billion by 2033.