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.
The company says Aviation Logistics 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 milestone for AMSL Aero and Vertiia, its 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 companys says 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.” 2
Based at Sydney’s Bankstown Airport with operations around Australia, AMSL Aero has secured more than $A50 million in funding from major private investors and government programs to develop the new aircraft.
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 Mr Kline.
“Today’s announcement is a sign of our commitment to the future development of sustainable air transport in Australia and represents a significant investment that will secure Aviation Logistics future as one of Australia’s leading aviation companies,” Mr Kline added.
Aviation Logistics Director, Mark Wardrop, said: “Over the past decade Air Link, AirMed and Chartair have carried thousands of Australians on our regional airline services, charter operations and aeromedical flights and we look forward to deploying this new aircraft across our passenger and freight network to support our future operations.
“We believe it is only a matter of time before electric and hydrogen powered aircraft are transporting people across Australia and Vertiia has the potential to change the way people living in rural and regional communities access services such as education and healthcare located in major centres.”
