Propelling aviation into cleaner future

Propelling aviation into cleaner future with Brisbane Airport.

Brisbane Airport based Stralis has reached a milestone with its first successful on-aircraft spin of an electric motor during a ground breaking test. 

The trial conducted at Brisbane Airport, signifies a critical advancement in the journey by Stralis towards conducting the inaugural test flight slated for later in 2024. 

Progress by Stralis as a leading Australian cleantech company is starting to garner attention on the world stage, with its CEO recently invited to The White House in Washington DC as part of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s official US State Visit in October and to COP28 in Dubai in December. 

The company’s innovative approach involves utilising a Bonanza A36-HE as a test platform, paving the way for the retrofit of a 15-seat Beech 1900D aircraft intended for the first passenger flights between Brisbane Airport and Gladstone Airport in 2026, operated by launch customer Skytrans. 

Both cities, Brisbane and Gladstone, are at the forefront of green hydrogen development, positioning them as ideal launch points for Australia’s first hydrogen electric aircraft route.  These flights are poised to operate with zero carbon emissions, with the only by product being water vapor, a significant leap in reducing environmental impact. 

“This successful test marks an unparalleled achievement, not just for Stralis but for the entire Australian aviation sector. Running an electric motor with a power to weight above 10kW/kg on an aircraft is a crucial milestone that propels us closer to witnessing this test aircraft take to the skies safely later this year,” stated Bob Criner, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Stralis. 

Efforts by Stralis at Brisbane Airport are bolstered by the support of the Hydrogen Flight Alliance, an instrumental partner in cultivating the green hydrogen flight ecosystem necessary for the aviation industry’s technological evolution, and Aviation Australia, a leading aviation provider who host Stralis at their Brisbane Airport training facility. 

“This test represents a significant leap towards cleaner, more cost-effective, and quieter aviation. Providing emissions-free access to regional Queensland is an exciting prospect, aligning with Brisbane Airport’s commitment to sustainability,” according to Ryan Both, Executive General Manager of Aviation at Brisbane Airport, emphasised. 

Queensland’s strategic significance in spearheading these pioneering tests stems from its role in the hydrogen industry, as well as its decentralised population which makes regional aviation critical to the people of the State.

Cairns based regional airline Skytrans, part-owned by Queensland NRL legend Johnathan Thurston, welcomed news of the test.

“This is an exciting step and Skytrans is looking forward to taking the lead for regional airlines in Australia with zero emission aviation,” says Skytrans Group CEO Alan Milne.