Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Christchurch Airport in New Zealand is now equipped with liquid hydrogen fuel tanks as part of preparations for flight testing for a pair of hydrogen-electric aircraft. On October 28, locally-based company Fabrum unveiled its triple-skin composite fuel tank at a new test facility developed in partnership with aircraft manufacturers AMSL Aero and Stralis Aircraft.
Both of the Australian start-ups are going to use Fabrum’s cryogenic dewar vacuum flasks and on-board tanks to store liquid hydrogen. Sydney-based AMSL Aero is developing an aircraft called Vertiia, and has already conducted tethered flights as it prepares to expand the envelope with <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-03-25/amsl-prepares-test-hydrogen-powered-vertiia-evtol-aircraft">a second prototype</a>. Brisbane-based Stralis is seeking to <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-04-02/stralis-sources-hydrogen-fuel-tanks-aircraft-conversion">convert existing aircraft</a>, such as the Beech Bonanza, to use its fuel cell-based propulsion system.
This week, Fabrum conducted the first refuelling trials with the facility in Christchurch. This is part of the international airport’s renewable energy “precinct.”
According to Adriano Di Pietro, AMSL Aero’s CEO, the company has been doing ground-based tests with hydrogen for the past 24 months. It has made more than 100 flight tests that were not powered by hydrogen and now expects to start using the fuel with the Vertiia in the second half of 2026.
“Stralis is currently ground testing our hydrogen electric propulsion system on our ground testbed aircraft 'Clyde', at Brisbane International Airport, using gaseous hydrogen,” said the company’s CEO Bob Criner. “The first flight of our Bonanza flight test aircraft “Bonnie” using gaseous hydrogen storage tanks is planned for the first half of 2026.&nbsp;The first flight with liquid hydrogen is planned for the second half of 2026.”
Fabrum’s refuelling infrastructure combines lightweight composite tanks with a hydrogen liquefier. According to Christopher Boyle, the company’s managing director, this is the first time all the elements for a liquid hydrogen refuelling system have been made available at an international airports.
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News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

Liquid Hydrogen Fuelling Now On Tap At New Zealand's Christchurch Airport

Local company Fabrum is partnered with electric aircraft developers AMSL Aero and Stralis

Hydrogen-electric aircraft developers AMSL Aero and Stralis now have access to ground and on-board liquid hydrogen fuel tanks developed by New Zealand's Fabrum.

Hydrogen Fuelling Now On Tap At New Zealand's Christchurch Airport

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