Vertiia: Australia's First Emission-Free eVTOL Aircraft Takes to the Skies
Key Ideas
- AMSL Aero completes first free flight of Vertiia, Australia's first passenger-capable, emission-free, long-range electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
- Vertiia is designed to fly up to 1,000km on hydrogen with zero carbon emissions, carrying up to four passengers and a pilot.
- Commercial flights planned for 2027 following certification and regulatory approval with 26 aircraft orders received and hydrogen-fueled flight testing scheduled for 2025.
- The successful flight marks a significant achievement in advanced eVTOL development, positioning AMSL Aero as a global leader in the industry.
AMSL Aero has achieved a significant milestone by completing the first free flight of Vertiia, Australia's first passenger-capable, emission-free, long-range electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL). This landmark flight marks the first by an Australian-designed and built eVTOL, a new generation of aircraft that combines the vertical take-off and landing capabilities of a helicopter with the speed and smooth flight of a fixed-wing aeroplane.
Vertiia is a groundbreaking aircraft that can fly up to 1,000km on hydrogen at a cruising speed of 300km/hour with zero carbon emissions, accommodating four passengers and a pilot. Following successful test flights, AMSL Aero's Vertiia is set for commercial operations in 2027 after receiving 26 aircraft orders this year, including from Aviation Logistics for services across Australia.
The test flight, conducted in the Central West region of New South Wales, was performed on battery power in compliance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations. AMSL Aero is gearing up for hydrogen-fueled flight testing in 2025 after breaking records with the first tethered battery-powered hover in 2023.
AMSL Aero's Co-Founder and Chief Engineer Andrew Moore expressed his excitement over Vertiia's successful flight, highlighting its potential to improve connectivity for remote communities with zero emissions. Chief Executive Max York praised the team's achievement, positioning AMSL Aero as a global leader in advanced eVTOL development. The successful flight showcases the company's clear vision, talent, and dedication to sustainable aviation solutions.