AMSL Aero secures first customer for VTOL aircraft

Australian zero emission aircraft manufacturer 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.

The order for the hydrogen powered airctaft is from the company’s first civil customer Aviation Logistics, paving the way for emission-free flying across Australia.

General aviation and regional airline group Aviation Logistics could fly the 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.

The deal marks a major milestone for AMSL Aero and Vertiia which takes off like a helicopter and flies 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, according to the company.

CEO of AMSL Aero Max York, said: “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 – this deal catapults Vertiia from world-leading development aircraft to commercial reality.”

The innovative aircraft, which is backed by a $5.43 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, was invented by Andrew Moore, Chief Engineering Officer at AMSL Aero.

Based at Sydney’s Bankstown Airport, AMSL Aero has secured more than $50 million in funding from major private investors and government programmes.

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.

Kline said: “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.”

Further reading:
AMSL awarded $5.43 million to progress green hydrogen-powered air taxi
Browse @AuManufacturing’s coverage of AMSL Aero here.

Picture: AMSL Aero