There is disclosed a fluid-transfer article which is suitable for use as part of an aerosol-generating system of a type which may be used as a smoking substitute. The fluid-transfer article comprises a first region for holding an aerosol precursor and for transferring said aerosol precursor to an activation surface of a second region of said article, said activation surface being disposed at an end of said article configured for thermal interaction with a heater of an aerosol-generation apparatus. The activation surface includes at least one channel and is configured such that, when the fluid transfer article is arranged with respect to a said heating surface for thermal interaction therebetween, the or each said channel opposes said heating surface and opens towards said heating surface. At least the second region of the article and optionally the first region of the article are made from a non-polymeric wicking material.
