AMSL Aero Builds Small Hydrogen Footprint Down Under

Sydney's Bankstown Airport has announced the availability of hydrogen on-site by way of AMSL Aero, a local firm developing 'emissions free' VTOL aircraft.

The deal came with a partnership alongside Aeria Management Group, posting up hydrogen fuel cylinders at Bankstown to prepare for future flight testing using the novel power source. AMSL's Vertiia will be test flown on the hydrogen fuel next year, with an eye towards commercial rollout in 2027. For now, however, it doesn't seem like there's much demand for hydrogen in the area, but that will quickly tip once enough aircraft make their way to market.

AMSL Aero is planning to build out a lot more at Bankstown than just parking a few cylinders there. They've already begun on the legwork to install hydrogen electrolysers, which will help the port be a little more self-sustaining for continued hydrogen operations.

AMSL Aero CEO Max York said it's a positive step for Australia. “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. 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.”

Some locals in the Australian industry have cited the best-case scenario for a Vertiia success, believing that hydrogen-powered, guilt-free, affordable VTOL aircraft could triple the number of miles flown in the country each year.

FMI: www.amslaero.com