AMSL Aero Partners with Life Flight NZ to Develop Hydrogen-Electric Air Ambulance
Key Ideas
- AMSL Aero and Life Flight NZ have formed a partnership to develop the Vertiia hydrogen-electric VTOL aircraft for air ambulance operations.
- Life Flight's expertise in the air medical sector will support the development of the Vertiia for patient transfers, aiming to reduce emissions and operating costs.
- The collaboration aims to introduce state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly aircraft into New Zealand's air ambulance fleet.
- This partnership signifies AMSL Aero's commitment to expanding its presence in the Australasian market for sustainable aviation solutions.
Australian aerospace firm AMSL Aero has teamed up with air ambulance operator Life Flight New Zealand to advance the development of the Vertiia hydrogen-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The partnership announcement was made at the 2024 Aeromed Conference in Christchurch. AMSL Aero will benefit from Life Flight's insight in the air medical sector to enhance the Vertiia, potentially augmenting the operator's fixed-wing air ambulance fleet. Mark Johnston, CEO of Life Flight New Zealand, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting the emission reduction potential and operational efficiency of hydrogen-powered aircraft like Vertiia. The partnership not only aims to improve patient transfers for intensive care and lower-acuity cases but also strives to introduce cutting-edge, eco-friendly aircraft to New Zealand's air ambulance services. Life Flight becomes the first New Zealand-based development partner for AMSL Aero, following a previous agreement with Aviation Logistics for the order of up to 20 aircraft. This initiative underscores AMSL Aero's dedication to offering sustainable aviation solutions in the Australasian region.