Stralis Aircraft, headquartered at Brisbane Airport, has formalised a new aviation research agreement in Japan, reinforcing Queensland’s role in advanced manufacturing and sustainable flight technologies.
Background and Context
Queensland recently concluded its largest education and research trade mission to Japan and Taiwan, focused on rebuilding international partnerships across education, research, and high-tech manufacturing. The delegation of 37 sector representatives showcased the state’s capabilities and met with overseas institutions, education agents, and government partners. The mission also supported the rollout of the Queensland–Japan Trade and Investment Strategy 2025–2028.
Hydrogen-Electric Aircraft Agreement Anchored at Brisbane Airport
A central outcome of the mission was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Brisbane Airport-based Stralis Aircraft and Japan’s Akita University and Akita Prefectural University. The agreement will see Stralis test its hydrogen-electric propulsion systems at Japan’s Joint Research Center for Electric Architecture.
The company’s Brisbane Airport facility is the base for its development of hydrogen-electric aircraft technology aimed at significantly reducing emissions and operating costs. Stralis claims its proprietary powertrain is six times lighter than traditional fuel cells and offers ten times the range of battery-electric aircraft. A demonstration of the hydrogen-powered Bonanza aircraft in Japan is planned for late 2026.
Education and Research Outcomes Across the Region
Beyond aerospace, the trade mission enabled new student mobility programs, research collaborations, and exchange agreements with Japanese and Taiwanese universities. A biotech roundtable in Taiwan focused on clinical trials and medtech development.
The mission also promoted Queensland’s immersive education model to Japanese students and connected regional Queensland institutions with education agents in Tokyo and Taipei. These activities are aimed at boosting enrolments and ensuring benefits reach communities beyond the southeast.
Strategic Support for Clean Aviation Growth
Japan is targeting 2035 for the commercial rollout of decarbonised passenger aircraft. The Stralis partnership supports this timeline while expanding research and workforce development opportunities in Queensland. The agreement also includes training programs for aviation technicians and engineers to support hydrogen-powered aircraft development.
Trade and Investment Queensland assisted in linking Stralis with Japanese research centres and aviation stakeholders. The collaboration reflects Queensland’s broader aim to contribute to global aerospace innovation through its Brisbane Airport-based industry assets.
Next Steps for Queensland’s Aerospace Sector
The hydrogen-electric propulsion trials are expected to begin in partnership with Japanese institutions, while Stralis continues development and workforce expansion at its Brisbane Airport base. The broader trade mission outcomes are projected to support over 30,000 jobs in Queensland’s international education sector and further establish the state as a hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable aviation.
Updated 5-August-2025. Published 24-July-2025
