27 Mar, 2020
Aerometrex has taken appropriate measures to ensure the well-being of all staff which includes voluntary self-isolation of some staff at home offices as well as social distancing policies at production centres. The business is not expecting any material disruptions to its ability to execute project work.
The company has continued to fly new surveys and as operator of its own fleet, has the flexibility to base activities at regional airports rather than capital cities. Despite the closure of several state borders, travel restriction exemptions are being proposed by some State Governments for essential services such as aircrew and Fly-In-Fly-Out workers. Aerometrex has applied for exemptions under this policy, with best practice procedures in place to ensure safety of aircrew and the public.
COVID-19 or the current travel bans have not yet seriously impacted the Company’s ability to execute capture programs or projects. Aerometrex had made investments late last year in critical IT infrastructure and processing capability. This investment has ensured the continuity of business operations without comprising the service to our clients during this period of disruption.
Managing Director, Mark Deuter says, “Like many Australian businesses we are responding quickly to the dynamic situation presented by the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We have taken steps to ensure the well-being of all staff and comply with advice from State and Federal governments. Aerometrex has been in operation for 40 years and historically we have seen a steady demand for our services throughout economic cycles. We are confident that we have made the best preparations to look after our people and to ensure the ongoing success of our business.”
Aerometrex’s MetroMap subscription service is continuing to attract new subscribers and adding revenues. The MetroMap web browser product is easily delivered to workers who are required to work remotely.
Aerometrex is continuing to pursue its growth strategies, both in Australia and abroad, despite the general economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 virus. The business has a strong pipeline of committed work for the second half of FY20 with very few deferred or cancelled projects. The company’s services are recurring in nature and produce essential data for a wide range of blue chip private and government clients. Aerometrex has always maintained a disciplined approach to costs and continues to remain cashflow positive from operations. This will continue to be the focus of the business in these uncertain economic times. Any major expenditure or capital investment requirements of the business in the near term will be underpinned by contracted work or revenue increases.
Update: 29 June 2020
In response to the success of very low infection rates in the community and the relaxing of several isolation controls, Aerometrex has taken the step to return staff to office-based work placement where possible. The company has operated throughout the COVID-19 crisis with minimal interruption and none of its staff have been infected. Nevertheless, the company has established an Emergency Response Plan in the event that a second outbreak of the virus occurs nationally.
A positive benefit of the recent reduction in commercial air traffic due to COVID-19 travel restrictions is that Aerometrex has enjoyed much better access to air space over the capital cities than in normal circumstances.
Aerometrex’s MetroMap capture program has been very active during the COVID-19 crisis, with multiple aerial surveys completed over the major capital cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, and Perth. In addition, surveys have been completed and added to MetroMap for 41 regional centres and shires. A total of 70 new datasets have been added to the MetroMap database since January 2020, with a further 14 flown and nearing publication.
Aerometrex has also captured 22 regional cities in Queensland, SA and Victoria with aerial LiDAR, for which it owns 100% Intellectual Property Rights (IP). These datasets are available for purchase on a multi-client basis.