VTOL company AMSL Aero said it has partnered with Aeria Management Group (AMG) to introduce hydrogen as an aviation fuel at Bankstown Airport in Sydney. AMSL Aero will use the fuel to extend the range of its Vertiia aircraft to 1000km using hydrogen fuel cells.
AMSL Aero is using cylinders containing hydrogen on-site at its main operations at Bankstown Airport to test the powertrain for Vertiia on the ground before integrating the fuel into the aircraft. AMSL Aero will test-fly Vertiia using hydrogen fuel in 2025, ahead of its planned certification and first commercial flights in 2027.
AMSL Aero CEO Max York said the collaboration with AMG, which manages Bankstown Airport and Camden Airport in Sydney, marks a significant milestone in AMSL Aero’s mission to help decarbonise aviation. York said: “We are proud to be at the forefront of this transformative initiative with Aeria. With AMSL Aero and Bankstown Airport leading the charge in adopting hydrogen as aviation fuel, Australia is poised to play a key role in the global transition towards sustainable aviation.”
York added: “This partnership is also a vital step towards our goals to improve the lives of Australians in the bush by enabling long-distance, efficient aeromedical, passenger, cargo and firefighting flights. Hydrogen holds immense potential as a clean and efficient fuel for aviation, offering zero-emission, longer distance flights that can significantly reduce the cost and carbon footprint of air travel.”
AMG CEO Daniel Jarosch said: “Bankstown Airport will be the launching pad for the future of Australian aviation, as the nation transitions towards net zero. We are proud to partner with AMSL Aero in flying towards a greener future for essential air services, such as medical transfers, firefighting and flight training.”
For Editorial Inquiries Contact:
Editor Matt Driskill at matt.driskill@asianaviation.com
For Advertising Inquiries Contact:
Head of Sales Kay Rolland at kay.rolland@asianaviation.com
