Key Takeaways
• AMSL Aero completed one year of hydrogen fuel cell testing at Bankstown Airport in May 2025.
• Vertiia eVTOL aircraft aims for 1,000 km range using hydrogen, tripling battery range.
• Hydrogen flight testing starts in 2025, with commercial certification and passenger flights by 2027.
AMSL Aero’s Hydrogen Aviation Breakthrough at Bankstown Airport: A New Era for Sustainable Flight
AMSL Aero has completed its first full year of hydrogen fuel cell testing at Bankstown Airport, Sydney, as of May 26, 2025. This achievement marks a major step for both the company and Australia 🇦🇺, setting the stage for the world’s longest-range hydrogen-powered passenger aircraft and making Bankstown Airport the first in the country to use hydrogen as aviation fuel. The project is supported by strong government policy, industry investment, and growing interest from airlines and logistics companies. Here’s how this development is changing the future of aviation, what it means for different stakeholders, and why it matters for Australia 🇦🇺 and the world.
AMSL Aero’s Hydrogen Aviation Milestone: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How
Who: AMSL Aero, an Australian aviation technology company, is leading the project, with support from Bankstown Airport (managed by Aeria Management Group), the Australian government, and early customers like Aviation Logistics.
What: The company has successfully completed a full year of hydrogen fuel cell ground testing, using over 200 kilograms of hydrogen to power a 100kW test bench. This test bench simulates the powertrain of AMSL Aero’s Vertiia eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft.
When: The first year of testing ended in May 2025. Hydrogen-powered flight testing is planned for 2025, with commercial certification and passenger flights targeted for 2027.
Where: All ground testing took place at Bankstown Airport in Sydney, which is now the first airport in Australia 🇦🇺 to introduce hydrogen as aviation fuel.
Why: The goal is to create emission-free, long-range air transport that can help Australia 🇦🇺 and the world move toward net-zero carbon emissions in aviation.
How: By using a hydrogen fuel cell system to power the Vertiia aircraft, AMSL Aero aims to extend its range from 300 km (with batteries) to 1,000 km (with hydrogen), making it the world’s longest-range passenger-capable VTOL aircraft.
How Hydrogen Aviation Works: Simple Explanation
Hydrogen aviation uses hydrogen gas as a fuel. In AMSL Aero’s system, hydrogen is fed into a fuel cell, which combines the hydrogen with oxygen from the air. This chemical reaction produces electricity, which then powers the aircraft’s electric motors. The only byproduct is water vapor, so there are no harmful emissions.
Key technical details:
– Hydrogen Used: Over 200 kg in the first year of testing
– Fuel Cell Power: 100kW test bench (enough to power the Vertiia aircraft)
– Range: Up to 1,000 km on hydrogen, compared to 300 km on batteries
– Energy Exported: 30kW of electricity sent to the airport grid for three weeks, saving 1.8MWh on the airport’s power bill
Why Bankstown Airport Matters
Bankstown Airport is not just a test site—it’s the first airport in Australia 🇦🇺 to use hydrogen as aviation fuel. This sets a national precedent and shows that hydrogen infrastructure can be built and used safely at major airports. According to Tom Smith, CEO of Aeria Management Group, “Bankstown Airport is leading the way in the national flight path towards net-zero aviation.”
Benefits for the airport:
– Reduced carbon emissions
– Lower power bills (thanks to electricity exported from the hydrogen test bench)
– Competitive advantage in attracting new aviation businesses
Government Policy and Support
The Australian government’s Aviation Green Paper (2023) strongly supports hydrogen and electric-powered aircraft. The policy aims to triple annual aircraft movements from 3 million to 9 million, while reducing emissions and supporting new technologies. AMSL Aero’s project fits perfectly with these goals.
Key points:
– No recent regulatory obstacles have been reported.
– The project aligns with national and state sustainability and innovation policies.
– AMSL Aero received $5.43 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) in late 2023 to support hydrogen aviation development.
For more information on Australia’s aviation policy and support for sustainable aviation, visit the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
Step-by-Step: How Hydrogen Aviation Testing Happens
- Ground Testing: AMSL Aero set up a hydrogen fuel cell test bench at Bankstown Airport. This bench simulates the Vertiia aircraft’s powertrain and can also send electricity to the airport grid.
- Integration: The hydrogen fuel cell system will be installed in the Vertiia aircraft for flight testing.
- Flight Testing: Scheduled for 2025 at Bankstown Airport and Wellington Aerodrome.
- Certification: AMSL Aero is working with regulators to certify the aircraft, aiming for commercial flights by 2027.
Stakeholder Perspectives: What This Means for Different Groups
For Immigrants and Skilled Workers
The growth of hydrogen aviation technology in Australia 🇦🇺 is likely to create new jobs and attract skilled workers from around the world. Engineers, technicians, and specialists in hydrogen systems, aviation, and renewable energy will be in high demand. This could lead to new skilled migration pathways and work visa opportunities for people with expertise in these fields.
For Employers and the Aviation Industry
Airlines, logistics companies, and airport operators stand to benefit from lower fuel costs, reduced emissions, and new business opportunities. Early adopters like Aviation Logistics have already placed cash deposits for Vertiia aircraft, showing strong market confidence.
For Rural and Regional Communities
Hydrogen-powered aircraft like Vertiia can fly longer distances without emissions, making them ideal for medical transfers, passenger flights, and freight services in remote areas. This can improve access to essential services and reduce the environmental impact of air travel in rural and regional Australia 🇦🇺.
For the Environment
Hydrogen aviation is a key part of the push to decarbonize air travel. By replacing fossil fuels with hydrogen, the industry can cut greenhouse gas emissions and help fight climate change.
Industry and Expert Analysis
Industry experts from the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering say that renewable hydrogen has “tremendous potential” for aviation. However, they also point out that more investment is needed in hydrogen production, airport infrastructure, and cost reduction to make hydrogen aviation widely available.
Airport operators see hydrogen as a way to reach net-zero emissions and attract advanced aviation businesses. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the successful testing at Bankstown Airport is likely to encourage other airports to follow suit.
Aircraft operators like Aviation Logistics are already placing orders, showing that the market believes in the technology’s future.
Government officials view hydrogen aviation as a strategic priority for both sustainability and economic growth.
Background: How We Got Here
- 2023: AMSL Aero’s Vertiia aircraft completed its first electric-powered flights. The company received ARENA funding to develop hydrogen aviation technology.
- 2024: Hydrogen fuel cell ground testing began at Bankstown Airport.
- 2025: The first year of hydrogen testing was completed, and preparations began for hydrogen-powered flight testing.
The Vertiia Aircraft: What Makes It Special?
Vertiia is an eVTOL aircraft, which means it can take off and land vertically like a helicopter but flies like a plane. It’s designed to carry passengers or cargo over long distances with zero emissions.
Key features:
– Longest range: Up to 1,000 km on hydrogen fuel cells, making it the world’s longest-range passenger-capable VTOL aircraft.
– Flexible use: Can be used for medical transfers, passenger flights, and freight.
– Emission-free: Only water vapor is released during flight.
Economic and Social Impacts
Job Creation and Skills
The move to hydrogen aviation will require new skills and create jobs in engineering, manufacturing, airport operations, and renewable energy. This could lead to more training programs and skilled migration opportunities.
Lower Costs and New Business
By using hydrogen, airlines and operators can lower their fuel costs and reduce their carbon footprint. Airports that invest in hydrogen infrastructure may attract more business and become leaders in sustainable aviation.
Better Services for Remote Areas
Longer-range, emission-free aircraft can improve access to medical, passenger, and freight services in rural and regional areas, helping to close the gap between cities and remote communities.
Challenges and Next Steps
While the progress is impressive, there are still challenges to overcome:
- Hydrogen Production: Australia 🇦🇺 needs to increase its supply of renewable hydrogen to meet future demand.
- Infrastructure: More airports will need to build hydrogen refueling stations and safety systems.
- Cost: The price of hydrogen and fuel cell systems must come down for the technology to be widely adopted.
- Regulation: Ongoing work with aviation regulators is needed to ensure safety and certification.
AMSL Aero and its partners are working on all these fronts, with strong support from the government and industry.
What’s Next? The Road to Commercial Hydrogen Flights
- 2025: Hydrogen-powered flight testing of Vertiia at Bankstown Airport and Wellington Aerodrome.
- 2027: Target for commercial certification and the first passenger and freight flights.
- Infrastructure Expansion: More airports are expected to add hydrogen supply and refueling stations.
- Policy Evolution: The government will continue to support hydrogen aviation and may adjust regulations as the technology matures.
How to Get Involved or Learn More
- For skilled workers: Watch for job openings in hydrogen aviation, renewable energy, and airport operations.
- For students: Consider studying engineering, renewable energy, or aviation technology.
- For businesses: Explore opportunities to partner with AMSL Aero or invest in hydrogen infrastructure.
- For policymakers: Stay updated on government policies and funding for sustainable aviation.
For more details on funding and policy, visit the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Contact Information
- Aeria Management Group (Bankstown Airport):
- Peter Munro, Senior Communications & Stakeholder Engagement Manager
- Email: [email protected]
Conclusion: Australia’s Hydrogen Aviation Future
AMSL Aero’s hydrogen aviation program at Bankstown Airport is a major step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for air travel. By proving that hydrogen can power aircraft safely and efficiently, and by building the first hydrogen aviation infrastructure at an Australian airport, AMSL Aero and its partners are showing the world what’s possible.
Key takeaways:
– AMSL Aero has completed a full year of hydrogen fuel cell testing at Bankstown Airport.
– Bankstown Airport is the first in Australia 🇦🇺 to use hydrogen as aviation fuel.
– Vertiia will be the world’s longest-range hydrogen-powered passenger VTOL, with a range of up to 1,000 km.
– Hydrogen-powered flight testing is set for 2025, with commercial flights targeted for 2027.
– Government policy and funding are strongly supporting the move to sustainable aviation.
– Opportunities exist for skilled workers, businesses, and communities across Australia 🇦🇺.
As hydrogen aviation moves from the test bench to the skies, Australia 🇦🇺 is set to become a global leader in emission-free air transport. The next few years will be critical as AMSL Aero, Bankstown Airport, and their partners work to bring hydrogen-powered flight to reality—benefiting the environment, the economy, and future generations.
For official updates and more information on Australia’s aviation and hydrogen policies, visit the Australian Government’s aviation page.
References:
– Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
– Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
– VisaVerge.com analysis and reporting
Word count: 1,525
Learn Today
Hydrogen Fuel Cell → A device that converts hydrogen gas and oxygen into electricity, powering electric motors without emissions.
eVTOL → Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft capable of vertical flight and efficient long-range travel.
Bankstown Airport → Australia’s first airport to introduce hydrogen as aviation fuel, supporting hydrogen aviation testing.
ARENA → Australian Renewable Energy Agency funding innovative renewable technology projects, including hydrogen aviation development.
Net-Zero Aviation Emissions → A goal to balance emitted carbon with carbon removal, achieving no net increase in greenhouse gases.
This Article in a Nutshell
AMSL Aero’s hydrogen fuel cell tests at Bankstown Airport mark a sustainable aviation breakthrough. Hydrogen-powered Vertiia eVTOL promises long-range, emission-free flights. Supported by government and industry, hydrogen aviation will create jobs, reduce emissions, and transform Australia’s airport infrastructure toward net-zero air travel by 2027.
— By VisaVerge.com
