AMSL Aero to Develop Hydrogen Refuelling Options at Archerfield Airport

Zero-emission aircraft designer and manufacturer AMSL Aero has agreed to explore and develop liquid hydrogen refuelling infrastructure options at Brisbane’s Archerfield Airport, paving the way for zero-emission passenger and medical flights across Queensland and at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Under the memorandum of understanding, AMSL Aero and Archerfield will collaborate on the development of refuelling infrastructure and maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities. This is part of the airport’s proactive preparations for the next generation of aircraft.

Recently, 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.

Vertiia can travel up to 1,000 kilometres on hydrogen at a cruising speed of 300 kilometres per hour 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.  

AMSL Aero’s Vertiia customers are planning commercial flights following certification and regulatory approval planned in 2028/29.

“This MOU lays the foundations for zero-emission aviation throughout Queensland and at the Olympics and Paralympics in 2032,” said AMSL Aero Chairman Chris Smallhorn. “It will lead to the creation of cutting-edge liquid hydrogen refuelling infrastructure that will enable operators flying Vertiias to refuel within 11 kilometres 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,” he added. 

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 capitalise on and service Vertiia technology,” he said. “Geographically, we’re very close to Brisbane’s CBD, major regional centres and three 2032 Olympic and Paralympic zones.”

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.