Dr Adriano Di Pietro has joined AMSL Aero as its new chief executive officer. The company is developing Vertiia, a hydrogen-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft designed for long-range and heavy-lift operations.

Dr Di Pietro was previously director of the Aerospace Innovation Research Hub at Swinburne University and interim CEO of the Australian Air Mobility Cooperative Research Centre. He brings nearly 20 years of experience across aerospace, automotive, defence and autonomous systems.

His appointment comes as AMSL prepares to build its second full-scale Vertiia prototype and begin hydrogen-powered flight tests. In late 2024, the company became one of a small number globally to complete untethered horizontal eVTOL flight.

He will lead efforts to certify the aircraft with CASA, expand manufacturing and manage strong forward orders.

“Adriano’s deep technical expertise and industry leadership make him uniquely suited to lead the team,” says AMSL Aero co-founder and board director Andrew Moore.

“I believe in AMSL’s bold vision,” adds Dr Di Pietro. “The team is building a cleaner, faster and more connected regional transportation system.”