Bankstown-based eVTOL developer AMSL Aero has appointed former Director and interim CEO of the Australian Air Mobility Cooperative Research Centre (AAMRTC) as its new Chief Executive Officer.
AMSL announced today that Dr Adriano Di Pietro took over the reigns of the company this week as it prepares to build its second full-scale prototype of the Vertiia eVTOL, and begins the hydrogen-powered flight test program.
"After a highly competitive search, we are thrilled to welcome Adriano," said AMSL chair Chris Smallhorn. "His track record in scaling aerospace technology ventures will be instrumental in the next phase of development with our second full-scale prototype, maintaining our position as a global leader in zero-emission aviation.
"He will lead our growing team of more than 65 talented and passionate engineers and aviation experts as we bring Vertiia’s affordable, zero-emission, long-range, point-to-point aviation capabilities to Australia and the world.”
As well as his role with AAMRTC, Dr Di Pietro served as Director of the Aerospace Innovation Research Hub at Swinburne University of Technology, where he led a team supporting the growth of Australia’s uncrewed air systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility development and manufacturing industry. He also held key positions at XTEK, Zoox, and aerospace composites firm Quickstep Technologies.
AMSL is well into the development phase of the Vertiia, a long-range, hydrogen-electric vectored-thrust eVTOL designed primarily to connect regional Australia to metropolitan capital cities. Current projections show a speed of 160 KTAS and a range of 540 nm.
Dr Di Pietro's main focus in his role as CEO will be to lead AMSL's campaign to have the Vertiia type-certified.