Queensland aerospace company Stralis Aircraft has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Joint Research Center for Electric Architecture at Akita University and Akita Prefectural University.
Under the agreement, Stralis will test its hydrogen-electric propulsion components at one of Japan’s most advanced electric aircraft testbeds, operated by the Join Research Centre for Electric Architecture in Akita’s state-of-the-art all-electric aircraft testbed, one of the most sophisticated of its kind in Japan. The deal will also support new training and skills pathways for future aviation engineers and technicians, backed by industry and academic partnerships.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates as part of the Queensland Government’s flagship international trade mission to Japan. “Stralis is a great example of how Queensland businesses can lead the world in clean aviation technology. We’re backing them to scale, export and grow jobs,” Bates said. “It’s not just an MoU—it’s a runway for clean technology, innovation, and workforce development between Queensland and Japan.”
Stralis’ proprietary hydrogen-electric system is six times lighter than existing fuel cell solutions, enabling hydrogen aircraft to fly ten times further than battery-electric alternatives, at half the cost of fossil fuel-powered planes. Stralis’ proprietary hydrogen-electric system is six times lighter than existing fuel cell solutions, enabling hydrogen aircraft to fly ten times further than battery-electric alternatives, at half the cost of fossil fuel-powered planes.
“I’m extremely excited to begin our collaboration with this world class team and facility in Akita”, said Bob Criner, Co-Founder and CEO of Stralis Aircraft. “Japan has been a global leader in aerospace and hydrogen innovation for decades. This partnership will accelerate our hydrogen aircraft technology development and facilitate skills and knowledge exchange between our organisations. It will also allow Stralis to create cutting edge research and innovation jobs in Queensland, so our workforce is prepared to manufacture and export advanced aircraft technology in the future.”
“We are pleased to sign this MoU with Stralis,” said Junichi Sakaki, Director, Joint Research Center for Electric Architecture, Akita University / Akita Prefectural University. “This collaboration in aircraft system electrification, using our testing facilities in Akita, represents a meaningful step in international technological cooperation. We look forward to contributing to both talent development and a more sustainable future.”
Supported by Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) Japan, Stralis Aircraft has been in discussions with Japanese aerospace firms aligned to Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and its 2035 target to commercialise decarbonised passenger aircraft.
TIQ has been integral in supporting Stralis and attracting the interest of leading Japanese aviation companies and research universities involved in implementing the global aviation industry’s strategy to commercialise next-generation passenger aircraft from 2035.
Stralis Aircraft is also planning to fly its Bonanza hydrogen-electric demonstration aircraft in Japan in late 2026, showcasing the commercial and environmental viability of its technology.
For Editorial Inquiries Contact:
Editor Matt Driskill at matt.driskill@asianaviation.com
For Advertising Inquiries Contact:
Head of Sales Kay Rolland at kay.rolland@asianaviation.com
