Login
iscover
Former Royal Australian Navy commander Max York will take up the reigns as chief executive officer and managing director of Australian aviation company AMSL Aero as it pushes zero-emissions aircraft Vertiia into local and international markets.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
The Australian military veteran, who founded the Mine Warfare Class Logistics Office and is a Baker & Provan advisory board member and founding member of the Australian Advanced Manufacturing Council, will oversee AMSL Aero’s overall strategy alongside co-founders Andrew Moore and Siobhan Lyndon, as the company prepares to campaign for emissions-free flight systems, increase the 50-employee base, and raise further funds in 2024.
York previously led GE Aviation commercial activities in Asia-Pacific for 15 years as chief executive officer of GE Australia and acted as GE Aviation global sales business improvement leader based in the USA. His appointment moves Moore to the newly created role of chief engineering officer, while Lyndon will continue as chief operating officer.
“AMSL Aero is a leading eVTOL company and its Vertiia product has the longest range of any aircraft of its type in the world,” York said.
“Andrew and Siobhan are inspiring founders who, together with an incredible team, have done a stellar job to build a prototype that has successfully flown recently.
“I am honoured to be joining this team to help fulfil its potential as we continue flight testing, certification, and manufacturing activities.”
AMSL Aero has so far raised more than $50 million from private and government sources to support the Vertiia electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, reportedly the world’s most efficient long-range eVTOL.
AMSL Aero chair Chris Smallhorn said he was delighted to have York forming a “dream team” with the co-founders to propel Vertiia and AMSL Aero into its vital next phase.
“Max brings his deep and seasoned executive and commercial experience to AMSL. He is a proven international aviation executive and senior leader who possesses the passion and acumen to match the energy and vision of our co-founders,” he said.
“Vertiia is borne of Andrew’s genius which, coupled with his and Siobhan’s exceptional capacity, commercial acumen, and courage, has taken AMSL to the remarkable place it is today.
“Max, alongside Andrew and Siobhan, form a formidable team that will take the company towards tomorrow where Vertia will provide zero emission, affordable and long-range point-to-point aviation to Australia and the world.”
Moore and Lyndon also welcomed York to the chief executive officer role in a combined statement.
“We are thrilled to have Max on board for the next phase of our mission to decarbonise aviation,” they said.
“Max has a strong track record as an aviation executive, engineer, and principled business leader. Together, we will bring our hydrogen-powered aircraft Vertiia to vital markets including air ambulance, emergency services, passenger, and cargo transport, saving lives and better meeting the needs of people living in regional and remote areas. We are thrilled that he has chosen to join us for this next growth phase.”
