Company flies high with 50 new jobs

A TOWNSVILLE company has developed a flight planning system for commercial drone operators that is set to create 50 new jobs in the region.

FlyFreely developed a software program to handle flight planning and approval processes for commercial drone missions.

The company has now received $ 250,000 in State Government funding to help launch its product nationally and overseas.

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said the business had tapped into a “rapidly growing industry”.

“FlyFreely has created a system that is in great demand across the world,” he said.

“That’s why we’ve invested to help them scale- up their operation, start exporting overseas and ultimately create more jobs in Queensland.

“We’re committed to investing in innovative businesses in Townsville because we know this is a great way to create sustainable jobs in North Queensland.”

FlyFreely founder and chief executive David Cole said the application of drones was endless. Their software product enabled major players in mining, agriculture, power, telecommunications and the research sector in North Queensland to get on board.

“We’re setting up an international operations centre in Townsville and will create 50 more jobs in the region over the next three years to meet demand,” he said. “We have also recently reached in- principal agreement with a key Ministry in Vietnam that will see FlyFreely help power the development of the commercial drone industry in Vietnam.”