Sydney-based AMSL Aero has secured its first civil customer for its fully electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, referred to as Vertiia.
The aircraft manufacturer on Monday announced it had received an order and deposits for 10 Vertiia aircraft from general aviation and regional airline group Aviation Logistics.
The aircraft has a range of 1,000km and cruising speeds of up to 300km/h, which AMSL says is suitable for supporting air ambulances, emergency services, defence operations, and regional transport.
Subject to regulatory approval, the aircraft will be in operation as early as 2027. Aviation Logistics also has the option to order an additional 10 Vertiias.
Aviation Logistics is the holding company for regional airline Air Link, aeromedical flight provider AirMed, and chartered-flight operator AirChart.
AMSL Aero chief executive Max York welcomed the deal, which he said represents a key milestone for the company.
“2024 is going to be a huge year for AMSL Aero as we continue to test-fly the aircraft, and we are thrilled to kick-off with our first civil order for Vertiia,” Mr York said.
“We are honoured to have Aviation Logistics as a partner – with 50 years’ pedigree flying aircraft across Australia’s vast terrain and operating in three of our core target market segments: aeromedical, logistics and passenger transport.
“This deal catapults Vertiia from world-leading development aircraft to commercial reality.”
Aviation Logistics executive director Mark Wardrop said “Vertiia has the potential to change the way people living in rural and regional communities access services such as education and healthcare located in major centres”.
Founded in 2017, AMSL is headquartered at Bankstown Aerodrome and builds its aircraft in Australia. So far, it has attracted more than $50 million in private investment and government funding.
AMSL is currently developing what it hopes will be the world’s first passenger capable hydrogen-fuel cell powered VTOL, for which it has received a $5.4 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
AMSL has also recently received a $110,000 contract from Defence’s Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator for to develop a prototype uncrewed aerial system, for participation in a demonstration day in April.
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