The Philippines’ Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has signed a partnership agreement with Australian zero-emissions aircraft designer and manufacturer AMSL Aero to explore a new zero-emissions aircraft industry and provide the catalyst for a hydrogen production industry in the Philippines.
The partnership between BCDA and AMSL Aero involves collaboration and knowledge sharing to develop an ecosystem for low-cost, zero-emissions aircraft and hydrogen energy that has the potential to connect the archipelago of the Philippines by passenger and freight carriage air bridges, coupled with strategically located hydrogen production plants for clean energy production.
This will lead to the preparation of a feasibility study, which may include a technical and commercial study of the project with potential developments within the BCDA’s properties.
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority is a government-owned and controlled corporation under the Office of the President of the Philippines that develops former military bases.
“The agreement with AMSL Aero will build a strong partnership with a world-leading sustainable aviation manufacturer,” said BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang. “This agreement also supports our vision to transform New Clark City into a smart and sustainable metropolis, which includes modern energy and transport infrastructure.”
Based in Sydney, AMSL Aero has secured more than AUD55 million in funding from major private investors, government programs and customers to develop the Vertiia, a long-range hydrogen-electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft currently progressing through the civil aviation certification process.
Vertiia will take off like a helicopter and fly fast and smoothly like a fixed-wing aeroplane at a low hourly cost. The aircraft will be a highly efficient long-range zero-emissions VTOL, with a range of up to 1,000 kilometres and cruising speeds of 300 kilometres per hour.
BCDA is AMSL Aero’s second international partnership. Its first international agreement signed with Life Flight in New Zealand last month. AMSL Aero also has aircraft orders from Australian aviation operator Aviation Logistics.
“The partnership agreement with BCDA and the recently signed partnership with Life Flight New Zealand clearly demonstrate the global demand and opportunity for hydrogen-powered VTOL technology,” said AMSL Aero CEO Max York. “These agreements will enable AMSL Aero to further develop our innovative Vertiia technology to support multi-national requirements for passenger, cargo, air rescue, aeromedical and military air operations.”
