In this episode, Dr. Di Pietro—an aerospace engineer and innovator with nearly two decades of global experience—shares how his early fascination with flight and a career spanning defense, automotive, and autonomous vehicle technologies led him to the forefront of advanced air mobility.
He discusses AMSL Aero’s mission to build Vertia, a hydrogen-electric tilt-wing eVTOL designed to connect Australia’s far-flung regions while dramatically cutting aviation emissions. Unlike most eVTOL developers focused on urban air taxis, AMSL’s emphasis is on long-range, zero-emission regional flight—addressing Australia’s unique geography and the essential role aviation plays in delivering healthcare, freight, and connectivity to remote areas.
The conversation explores how hydrogen power unlocks range and efficiency, AMSL’s roadmap toward type certification and a 2030 commercial launch, and the company’s collaboration with international partners and the Australian government to develop the hydrogen ecosystem.
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In this episode, Dr. Di Pietro—an aerospace engineer and innovator with nearly two decades of global experience—shares how his early fascination with flight and a career spanning defense, automotive, and autonomous vehicle technologies led him to the forefront of advanced air mobility.
He discusses AMSL Aero’s mission to build Vertia, a hydrogen-electric tilt-wing eVTOL designed to connect Australia’s far-flung regions while dramatically cutting aviation emissions. Unlike most eVTOL developers focused on urban air taxis, AMSL’s emphasis is on long-range, zero-emission regional flight—addressing Australia’s unique geography and the essential role aviation plays in delivering healthcare, freight, and connectivity to remote areas.
The conversation explores how hydrogen power unlocks range and efficiency, AMSL’s roadmap toward type certification and a 2030 commercial launch, and the company’s collaboration with international partners and the Australian government to develop the hydrogen ecosystem.
In this episode, we speak with Furqan, CEO and co-founder of Sora Aviation, a UK-based startup pioneering the S1, a 30-seat battery-electric tiltrotor designed to make Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) truly affordable and accessible.
Key Topics & Insights include:
- Sora’s Origin Story – From early fascination with aviation to leading eVTOL programs at GKN, and why Furqan and co-founder Malcolm Foster set out to build a “flying bus” for the masses.
- Mission & Vision – Tackling AAM’s biggest challenge: affordability. Why higher passenger capacity is the key to equitable access, not just serving VIPs.
- Inside the S1 Aircraft – Battery-electric tiltrotor design, 30-seat capacity, low-noise optimizations, advanced safety redundancies, and innovative battery integration.
- Market Focus – Airport shuttle routes as the launch market, with high demand, strong willingness to pay, and a proven historical precedent in large passenger helicopters.
- Go-to-Market & Partnerships – Aircraft sales model with MRO, training, and battery services; early orders from South Korea’s Moviation and collaborations with UK universities and aerospace specialists.
- Certification Path – Targeting UK CAA approval aligned with EASA SC-VTOL standards, paving the way for FAA and global certification.
- Challenges & Public Perception – Overcoming skepticism about “flying buses” and shifting the conversation from luxury air taxis to everyday mobility.
- Future Milestones – First full-scale rotor spin-up next year, first flight in 2028, and entry into service by 2031.
- Myth-Busting – eVTOLs are not just electric helicopters—they target different missions and will evolve over time.
The eVTOL Insights Podcast
In this episode, Dr. Di Pietro—an aerospace engineer and innovator with nearly two decades of global experience—shares how his early fascination with flight and a career spanning defense, automotive, and autonomous vehicle technologies led him to the forefront of advanced air mobility.
He discusses AMSL Aero’s mission to build Vertia, a hydrogen-electric tilt-wing eVTOL designed to connect Australia’s far-flung regions while dramatically cutting aviation emissions. Unlike most eVTOL developers focused on urban air taxis, AMSL’s emphasis is on long-range, zero-emission regional flight—addressing Australia’s unique geography and the essential role aviation plays in delivering healthcare, freight, and connectivity to remote areas.
The conversation explores how hydrogen power unlocks range and efficiency, AMSL’s roadmap toward type certification and a 2030 commercial launch, and the company’s collaboration with international partners and the Australian government to develop the hydrogen ecosystem.
