A Brisbane-based company, Stralis Aircraft, is setting the stage for a greener aviation future with its revolutionary hydrogen-electric propulsion technology. In collaboration with CQ University, Stralis is developing advanced systems that promise cheaper flights for passengers, lower operating costs for airlines, and significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
The company aims to achieve a milestone in Australian aviation history by becoming the first to fly a hydrogen-powered aircraft in the country. The ambitious project includes plans for commercial flights between Brisbane and Gladstone as early as 2027, with the test aircraft, Bonnie, scheduled for its first flight later this year.
Clean, Quiet, and Cost-Effective
“This technology will not just be cleaner, but quieter,” said Dr. Emma Whittlesea, Stralis Aircraft’s Head of Partnerships. She emphasized that projected hydrogen costs could make this alternative fuel not only environmentally friendly but also more economical.
Stralis is focused on high-temperature proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, which provide the enhanced power necessary for passenger aircraft. Unlike the low-temperature fuel cells commonly used in cars and trucks, these innovative systems are tailored to deliver higher performance and reliability for aviation needs.
Hydrogen fuel cells operate by combining hydrogen and oxygen in a chemical reaction that generates electricity, releasing only water vapor as a byproduct.
Backed by Global Interest
With $372 million AUD in letters of intent from 10 airlines across the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, Stralis Aircraft is attracting global attention. These potential customers, while confidential, reflect a strong interest in adopting greener aviation technologies.
“We’ve successfully tested the propeller using gaseous hydrogen on the ground,” Dr. Whittlesea said. The next phase involves securing green hydrogen locally, with Gladstone being a potential production hub.
The Future of Sustainable Aviation
Hydrogen’s potential for mid-range flights is particularly promising for Australia’s regional routes, where battery-powered aircraft lack the range and kerosene alternatives still dominate. According to CQ University hydrogen expert Professor Jonathon Love, hydrogen is an ideal solution for flights like those between Brisbane and Gladstone.
By using renewable energy-powered electrolysis to produce green hydrogen locally, Stralis plans to create a sustainable supply chain for its operations. The shift to liquid hydrogen is also under consideration due to its compactness, although it adds complexity to the production process.
Transforming Regional Aviation
With a launch customer like Sky Trans Airlines, Stralis Aircraft is well-positioned to make regional air travel cleaner, quieter, and more efficient. Dr. Whittlesea is confident that the infrastructure for hydrogen-powered aviation will be ready in time for commercial operations.
Stralis Aircraft’s pioneering efforts signal a transformative shift in Australia’s aviation industry, bringing the promise of sustainability and cost-efficiency closer to reality.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: STRALIS. Stralis wants to fly a hydrogen-powered aeroplane on the Brisbane to Gladstone route by 2027. (Supplied: Stralis/ Patrick Auld)
