AMSL Aero, the zero-emission aircraft designer and manufacturer, has agreed to explore liquid H₂ refueling infrastructure options at Archerfield Airport, paving the way for zero-emission passenger and medical flights across Queensland and at The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The deal comes after AMSL Aero’s Vertiia made aviation history by completing the first free flight by an Australian hybrid electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. eVTOLs are the new generation of aircraft that take off and land like a helicopter but fly fast and smoothly like a fixed-wing aeroplane.

Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), AMSL Aero and Archerfield are collaborating on the development of refueling infrastructure and maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities. This is part of the airport’s proactive preparations for the next generation of aircraft, led by Vertiia. Vertiia can travel up to 1,000 kilometers on H₂ at a cruising speed of 300km/h with zero carbon emissions. It can carry up to four passengers and a pilot, far outstripping helicopters at lower operating cost and landing in a space half the size of a tennis court. 

Speaking at the Avalon Air Show in Melbourne, AMSL Aero Chairman Chris Smallhorn praised Archerfield Airport’s ongoing commitment to aviation innovation, said, “This MoU lays the foundations for zero-emission aviation throughout Queensland and at the Olympics and Paralympics in 2032. It will lead to the creation of cutting-edge liquid H₂ refueling infrastructure that will enable operators flying Vertiias to refuel within 11 kilometers of central Brisbane.

“We envisage fleets of Vertiias flying passengers non-stop from Sydney to the Olympic stadium in Brisbane in less than 3.5 hours door-to-door and ferrying passengers and athletes to and from events, beating the traffic.”

Archerfield Airport Executive General Manager Operations Rod Parry said the airport had taken a very proactive stance in supporting and facilitating the development of advanced air mobility. “Whatever way you look at it, Archerfield is in a prime position to capitalize on and service Vertiia technology,” he said.

“Geographically, we’re very close to Brisbane’s CBD, major regional centers and three 2032 Olympic and Paralympic zones. We have some of Australia’s best general aviation infrastructure and the expertise and experience – since 1931 – to help turn aviation visions into reality. Archerfield is the perfect partner to develop maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities for advanced air mobility to support passenger transport, cargo, aeromedical and even firefighting applications.”

AMSL Aero’s Vertiia customers are planning commercial flights following certification and regulatory approval planned in 2028/29. AMSL Aero has received deposits for 26 Vertiia aircraft orders from civil customers including 20 from Aviation Logistics, which operates the Air Link, AirMed and Chartair brands covering passenger services, aircraft charter, air freight and aeromedical flights across Australia. Aviation Logistics is well positioned to capitalize on advanced air mobility opportunities ahead of the Brisbane Olympics as a current tenant of Archerfield Airport.