Mahmood Hussein- Global Drone Solutions
Founder and CEO of Global Drone Solutions (GDS), Mahmood Hussein leads one of Australia’s most awarded drone‑pilot training organisations. His journey—from a remote village in Pakistan to the helm of a nationally recognised training provider—embodies resilience, reinvention, and purpose‑driven entrepreneurship. His impact in the sector has also been acknowledged through his selection as a finalist in the Small Business Category.
Q: What was Mahmood’s journey to Australia like?
A: Mahmood was born into a farming family in rural Pakistan, where opportunities were limited. After moving to the UK at age seven and later to Australia, he had to rebuild his career despite extensive experience in business, mining, and education. Facing challenges familiar to many migrants — from being labelled “overqualified” to navigating cultural bias — he used those setbacks to fuel his determination and redefine his path.
Q: How did Global Drone Solutions begin?
A: Mahmood founded Global Drone Solutions in 2016 at age 62, launching the business from his Perth lounge room with no aviation background and no external funding. While working in the mining sector, he recognised a growing gap: drones were being adopted rapidly, but operators lacked structured, industry‑aligned training. He set out to bridge that gap by developing CASA‑compliant programs from scratch and personally approaching companies until he secured his first client.
Q: What challenges did he face building the business?
A: Launching a drone training company without an aviation background drew scepticism. Mahmood had to rapidly learn CASA and ASQA regulations while developing thousands of pages of accredited course material. With no investors, he reinvested every dollar and handled every role — trainer, marketer, compliance lead and administrator — proving that persistence and vision can outweigh traditional credentials.
Q: How has Global Drone Solutions grown?
A: GDS has grown from a two‑person startup into a nationally recognised provider with a 15+ member team and assessors nationwide. It has trained over 6,000 pilots, supported hundreds of organisations with CASA certification, delivered programs for major companies like Rio Tinto, BHP, Shell and the Australian Defence Force, and maintained a 5‑star reputation backed by hundreds of reviews. With more than 15 industry and business awards, GDS is now regarded as a leader in drone education and innovation.
Q: How is Global Drone Solutions creating opportunity and innovation?
A: GDS has become a genuine enabler of opportunity. Mahmood has delivered tailored drone programs for Aboriginal Rangers, training more than 100 Rangers to map and care for Country. The company has also delivered Certificate III aviation programs in regional WA high schools, creating pathways for disadvantaged students. Most recently, GDS launched Australia’s first AI/AR/VR drone simulator platform using digital twin technology to safely mirror real industry environments.
Mahmood pictured with Joseph Assaf AO, Founder and Chairman of the EBA
Q: How does Mahmood give back to the community?
A: Mahmood sees business as a force for good. GDS donates 15% of its profits to charities such as Doctors Without Borders, World Vision, the Fred Hollows Foundation, and children’s education programs. He also mentors migrant and Indigenous entrepreneurs and is writing a book to help aspiring business owners turn side hustles into sustainable enterprises.
Q: What drives Mahmood today?
A: At 71, Mahmood brings the energy of someone decades younger. His mission is to equip people with skills, open pathways into emerging industries, and build a legacy that endures. From humble beginnings to leading one of Australia’s most respected drone training organisations, his story reflects the power of resilience, diversity, and innovation.
