AMSL Aero Successfully Completes First Year of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Testing at Bankstown Airport
Key Ideas
  • AMSL Aero completes successful hydrogen fuel cell testing at Bankstown Airport, paving the way for emission-free flights within a year.
  • Positive results position AMSL Aero closer to decarbonizing essential air services in Australia.
  • Tests reveal the use of over 200 kilograms of hydrogen, powering the aircraft's fuel cell test bench and contributing to energy needs at the airport.
  • Collaboration between AMSL Aero and Bankstown Airport marks a significant step towards longer-distance, greener flights across the country.
AMSL Aero, an Australian zero-emission aircraft designer and manufacturer, has completed its first year of hydrogen fuel cell testing at Bankstown Airport successfully. The tests, conducted on AMSL Aero's Vertiia aircraft, have shown promising results, positioning the company for emission-free flight testing within the next 12 months. The use of hydrogen as a fuel source is part of AMSL Aero's goal to decarbonize essential air services such as medical transfers, passenger, and freight services in Australia. The results of the testing indicate that AMSL Aero has utilized over 200 kilograms of hydrogen since mid-2024, showcasing the practical applications of hydrogen in aviation. This amount of hydrogen was sufficient to power the 100kW fuel cell test bench, a unique facility in Australia, and even export 30kW of electricity into the airport grid, reducing the power bill by approximately 1.8MWh. The successful testing not only validates the aircraft's powertrain but also contributes to the energy needs of Bankstown Airport. Simon Coburn, Hydrogen Lead at AMSL Aero, highlighted the positive impact of the fuel cell test bench on the airport's operations, emphasizing its role in reducing energy costs. The collaboration between AMSL Aero and Bankstown Airport has been crucial in introducing hydrogen as aviation fuel, making Bankstown Airport the first in Australia to adopt this sustainable energy source for flights. Tom Smith, CEO of Aeria Management Group, which operates Bankstown Airport, praised the partnership with AMSL Aero and the progress towards achieving net-zero aviation. AMSL Aero's innovative approach to hydrogen usage in aviation has not only garnered interest from general aviation operators but has also marked a significant milestone in the industry. With plans to expand the use of hydrogen to other airports, AMSL Aero is at the forefront of promoting greener and more cost-effective air transport solutions for Australia.
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