AMSL Aero, the Australian zero-emission aircraft designer and manufacturer, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Archerfield Airport in Brisbane to explore liquid hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. The agreement paves the way for zero-emission passenger and medical flights across Queensland, including at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and comes after AMSL Aero's Vertiia made aviation history by completing the first free flight by an Australian hybrid eVTOL aircraft.

AMSL Aero and Archerfield will collaborate on developing refuelling infrastructure and MRO capabilities. The airport is preparing to support the next generation of aircraft, led by Vertiia, which can fly up to 1,000 kilometres on hydrogen at a cruising speed of 300km/h with zero carbon emissions. Vertiia carries up to four passengers and a pilot, has a much lower operating cost than helicopters, and can land in a space half the size of a tennis court.

Speaking at the Avalon Air Show in Melbourne, AMSL Aero chairman Chris Smallhorn 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 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.”

Rod Parry, executive general manager, operations at Archerfield Airport, added: “Whatever way you look at it, Archerfield is in a prime position to capitalise on and service Vertiia technology. Geographically, we're very close to Brisbane's CBD, major regional centres and three 2032 Olympic and Paralympic zones. Archerfield is the perfect partner to develop MRO 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, which is planned for 2028/29. The company has already received deposits for 26 Vertiia aircraft orders, including 20 from Aviation Logistics, which operates under the Air Link, AirMed and Chartair brands covering passenger services, aircraft charter, air freight and aeromedical flights across Australia. As a current tenant of Archerfield Airport, Aviation Logistics is well positioned to capitalise on AAM opportunities ahead of the Brisbane Olympics.