Australia’s AMSL Aero has signed an order and received deposits for 10 of its Vertiia vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, with an option for 10 more, from its first civil customer Aviation Logistics, paving the way for emission-free flying across Australia.
Aviation Logistics, one of Australia’s largest general aviation and regional airline groups, could be flying 20 new Vertiia aircraft through its associated companies Air Link, AirMed and Chartair covering passenger services, aircraft charter, air freight and aeromedical flights from its seven bases across Australia from as early as 2027 (subject to regulatory approvals).
The deal marks a major milestone for AMSL Aero and Vertiia, its world-first passenger capable hydrogen VTOL, the next generation of aircraft that takes off like a helicopter and flies fast and smoothly like a fixed wing aeroplane. The aircraft will be the world’s most efficient long range zero emissions VTOL, with a range of up to 1,000km and cruising speeds of 300kmh.
Max York, CEO of AMSL Aero, welcomed Aviation Logistics as Vertiia’s civil launch partner, saying, “2024 is going to be a huge year for AMSL Aero as we continue to test-fly the aircraft, and we are thrilled to kick-off with our first civil order for Vertiia. We are honoured to have Aviation Logistics as a partner – with 50 years’ pedigree flying aircraft across Australia’s vast terrain and operating in three of our core target market segments: aeromedical, logistics and passenger transport. This deal catapults Vertiia from world-leading development aircraft to commercial reality.”
Vertiia’s inventor Andrew Moore, Chief Engineering Officer at AMSL Aero, said: “Vertiia is a versatile aircraft with multiple use cases that match Aviation Logistics’ demands for safe, efficient, fast, and reliable aircraft for its cargo, aeromedical and passenger operations. Our partnership will allow us to collaborate on testing and development as we look towards certification and production.”
Based at Sydney’s Bankstown Airport with operations around Australia, AMSL Aero has secured more than A$50 million in funding from major private investors and government programs to develop the new aircraft that is set to change the way people travel throughout Australia and the world.
Aviation Logistics Executive Directors, Matthew Kline and Mark Wardrop, said that the deal with AMSL Aero marks a significant milestone in the group’s fleet replacement and growth strategy as well as representing a significant investment in an Australian-based aircraft designer and manufacturer. “We are extremely excited by the opportunities that Vertiia will offer. We believe this aircraft is set to revolutionise the movement of people and freight across the country by providing greater access to air transport whilst opening up new market opportunities that currently do not exist,” said Kline.
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