Brisbane Airport Archives

Viva Energy Opens Pinkenba SAF Hub to Help Cut Aviation Emissions at Brisbane Airport

Viva Energy has launched new infrastructure at its Pinkenba Terminal that will allow sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to be stored, blended and supplied directly into Brisbane Airport’s existing jet fuel network, marking a significant milestone in efforts to reduce emissions from air travel.

Read: Brisbane Airport-Based Stralis Leads Hydrogen Aircraft Push in Japan

The new facility, officially opened by Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki, is the first dedicated end-to-end SAF storage and blending facility connected to an Australian airport fuel system that is integrated with a carbon credit transfer program. The project is designed to support the wider adoption of lower-emissions aviation fuel while helping lay the groundwork for a future domestic SAF manufacturing industry in Queensland.

New Infrastructure for Lower-Carbon Flights

Photo credit: LinkedIn/Viva Energy Australia

The $4.93 million project, supported in part by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), involved refurbishing a 3.3 million-litre storage tank at Pinkenba Terminal and installing systems that enable sustainable aviation fuel to be stored, blended, verified and delivered through Brisbane Airport’s existing Joint User Hydrant Installation (JUHI) fuel supply system.

Initially, the sustainable aviation fuel supplied through the facility is produced from biogenic feedstocks including used cooking oil sourced from Malaysia. Industry experts consider SAF one of the aviation sector’s most important tools for reducing emissions because it can be blended with conventional jet fuel. Current international standards allow sustainable aviation fuel to be blended with conventional jet fuel at levels of up to 50 per cent.

The Pinkenba project also introduces Fuel Central, a digital mass balance accounting platform developed by NoviqTech, which will track the fuel from Viva Energy’s terminal to aircraft while recording its sustainability credentials. The system also supports internationally recognised certification through the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) framework, allowing airlines and corporate customers to account for associated emissions reductions.

Building Confidence in Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Viva Energy General Manager of Aviation Nick Adams said the project was about more than fuel supply infrastructure.

“SAF cannot reach scale in Australia unless the right infrastructure, systems and customer confidence are in place,” Mr Adams said.

“This project puts those foundations on the ground at Brisbane Airport. It shows how SAF can move from supply chain ambition to real airport operations, with ISCC-recognised transparency for credible emissions claims.”

He said the facility represented “an important step towards a more reliable SAF market in Australia and potentially, over time, a domestic manufacturing industry that can support lower-emissions aviation.”

Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said the dedicated infrastructure would help make sustainable aviation fuel part of everyday airport operations.

“Every litre of sustainable aviation fuel delivered through this dedicated infrastructure to Brisbane Airport helps move the aviation industry closer to its decarbonisation goals,” he said.

“By working together across the supply chain, we can help make sustainable aviation fuel a more regular part of aircraft operations in Queensland while building momentum for a stronger sustainable aviation fuel industry in Australia.”

Waste Products Powering the Future

According to Viva Energy, the current fuel is produced from renewable feedstocks such as used cooking oil, while other forms of SAF can also be made from animal fats, agricultural residues or synthetic processes using captured carbon and hydrogen.

Viva Energy’s Head of Future Fuels and Decarbonisation, Vanessa Lenihan, said the company had incorporated used cooking oil from Malaysia into an existing import route while hoping the Brisbane project would encourage greater Australian production in the future. The project could help lay the groundwork for a future domestic SAF manufacturing industry in Queensland.

Read: Brisbane Airport Industrial Precinct Set to Become Global Quantum Hub

Part of a Broader Push

The Pinkenba project builds on Viva Energy’s earlier work introducing sustainable aviation fuel into Australia. In November 2023, the company supplied the Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes for their first public flying demonstration using SAF before expanding supply to other RAAF aircraft, including a 12-month pilot program at RAAF Base East Sale.

Last year, Viva Energy also supplied Virgin Australia with sustainable aviation fuel for flights departing Proserpine in Queensland and delivered SAF into Australia’s general aviation sector. The company is now commissioning another dedicated SAF blending and storage facility in Newport, Melbourne.

For Brisbane’s aviation industry, the new Pinkenba infrastructure is intended to support lower-emissions aviation and the development of a more established sustainable aviation fuel market in Australia.

Published 8-July-2026

The Therapy Dogs Turning Brisbane Airport Into a Happier Place to Travel

Photo Credit: Brisbane Airport/Facebook

Suitcases roll past departure gates while children gather around fluffy puppies at Brisbane Airport, where therapy dogs have become part of the school holiday rush.

The therapy dogs will return to Brisbane Airport during the June and July 2026 school holidays, bringing another round of wagging tails and puppy cuddles to both the Domestic and International terminals.

Sessions at the Domestic Terminal will run from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on selected Tuesdays and Thursdays, while International Terminal visits are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on selected Fridays.

Where Airport Stress Meets Puppy Cuddles

Holiday travel can turn even the calmest traveller into a bundle of nerves. There are crowded check-in queues, delayed flights, teary goodbyes, and children running low on patience before the plane even leaves the ground. It’s exactly the kind of environment Therapy & Support Animals Australia had in mind when the organisation partnered with Brisbane Airport to launch the country’s first airport therapy dog program.

Since then, the dogs have become a familiar sight during busy travel periods. Labradoodles, cavoodles, groodles and labradors now spend their school holiday shifts moving through the terminals with handlers, greeting travellers looking for a lighter moment before boarding.

Photos and videos shared across Brisbane Airport’s Facebook and Instagram pages show passengers lining up for photos, puppies sprawled across terminal floors and airport workers stopping by for a quick visit during shifts.

The Dogs Travellers Remember After the Flight

The therapy dogs may only work two-hour sessions, but for many travellers, the interaction stays with them long after take-off. Over the past three years, the dogs have comforted nervous children afraid of flying, grieving families travelling for funerals, and FIFO workers missing their own pets after weeks away from home.

Brisbane Airport Corporation communications executive Sarah Whyte previously said the airport expected the dogs to be popular, but the response quickly grew beyond what staff had imagined. Airline crews, retail workers and airport staff now regularly stop by the therapy dog areas alongside passengers.

The program also includes puppies in training, some just over 10 weeks old, giving young dogs early socialisation in a busy public setting filled with rolling luggage, loud announcements and constant movement.

A Holiday Tradition Taking Over the Terminal

The airport’s first therapy dog sessions were introduced as a short trial in the Domestic Terminal back in July 2023. Within months, the program expanded into the International Terminal after receiving strong feedback from travellers and staff.

Now, many passengers actively look forward to the dogs returning during school holiday periods. According to Brisbane Airport’s own travel advice page, the dogs are there specifically for public interaction under handler supervision. Unlike assistance dogs travelling with passengers, these therapy dogs are brought into the airport to mingle with the public and help ease stress during busy travel periods.

And in an airport handling tens of millions of passengers each year, those few minutes of connection seem to be leaving a lasting impression.

Published 28-May-2026

Brisbane Airport Fast-Tracks 25ha Industrial Park Expansion After Stage 1 Sells Out Completely

With every lot in the first stage of its Airport Industrial Park (AIP) now snapped up, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) has launched a 25-hectare second stage, a move that underscores just how tight the market for premium industrial space has become across South East Queensland.

Read: Flight Path Proposals at Brisbane Airport Draw 1,300 Responses

Stage 2 has been launched with construction underway on the first lots, set to deliver up to 27,000 square metres of lettable area across as many as 10 tenancies. The new lots range from mid-size warehouse options of 1,400sqm to 2,200sqm through to large-scale facilities between 4,500sqm and 5,500sqm, with custom design-and-build options also on the table.

BAC Executive General Manager Commercial Scott Norris said the hunger for well-connected industrial land is unlike anything the precinct has seen in years.

“Demand for supply chain, logistics and manufacturing facilities is growing at levels we haven’t witnessed in more than a decade,” Mr Norris said, noting Brisbane Airport’s rare combination of airside access, round-the-clock operations, and connections to the major road network, the Port of Brisbane, and rail.

The airport is home to more than 600 businesses across its 2,700-hectare footprint. Mr Norris described it as “a suburb in its own right” with connectivity that most industrial precincts cannot match, citing its links to road, rail, seaport and aviation networks. BAC ranks it as Australia’s most connected domestic hub and the country’s third-busiest airport.

Outdoor retailer completes the Stage 1 puzzle

Industrial Park — Photo credit: Brisbane Airport Corporation

Stage 1 tenants include Australia Post, Martin Brower, Sadleirs, and Tile One. The final tenant to lock in a lease was outdoor adventure retailer 4WD Supacentre, which is relocating from Brendale and will occupy a purpose-built 20,000sqm warehouse on a 47,071sqm site.

4WD Supacentre CEO Christian Rolfe said the company had simply outgrown its current home.

“A significant increase in sales has meant we need a bigger warehouse space to meet consumer demand,” Mr Rolfe said, adding that the move would give the business the space it needs for its next phase of expansion. Construction is due to start in May, with the distribution centre expected to open mid-2027 and generate up to 1,000 jobs onsite during the build phase.

Sustainability is a key feature of the development. BAC has already secured 5 Star Green Star Buildings certification on three Stage 1 sites, and the same benchmark is being targeted for new stages. The 4WD Supacentre facility will incorporate 350kW of solar, rainwater harvesting, water-efficient fittings, and translucent roof sheeting to bring natural light into the warehouse.

The Airport Industrial Park expansion forms part of BAC’s broader $5 billion, five-year investment program, dubbed Future BNE, under which more than 150 projects will roll out across the precinct. Beyond Stage 2, BAC has flagged a further 30 hectares of industrial capacity to be released to market over the next three years.

Read: Brisbane Airport Growth Plans Highlighted in 2026 Draft, Consultation Open

For workers, the location also comes with a lifestyle angle. Mr Norris pointed out that employees are within easy reach of 170 shops and dining options at Skygate, reinforcing the precinct’s appeal beyond its logistics credentials.

Mr Norris noted significant land constraints across Australia’s eastern seaboard, and with Stage 1 selling out entirely, the Airport Industrial Park appears well-placed to capitalise.

Published 11-May-2026

$940M Quantum Computer Project at Brisbane Airport Faces Delays as Consultation Period Stalls

More than a year after it was scheduled to begin, construction of a $940-million quantum computing facility at Brisbane Airport has remained stalled, with the site remaining vacant as regulatory hurdles continue to push back the timeline for Silicon Valley tech firm PsiQuantum’s project.

Read: Brisbane Airport Industrial Precinct Set to Become Global Quantum Hub

The 13-hectare site tucked behind the airport was scheduled to see construction activity in 2025, but the land remains empty with no indication of when work might commence. A mandatory two-month public consultation process—the first step in securing Commonwealth approval—has yet to start, which may affect PsiQuantum’s stated target of completing the facility’s infrastructure by 2027.

Federal and state authorities have committed $470 million each to the venture through share purchases, grants, and loans. The project aims to establish what PsiQuantum describes as the world’s first commercially useful, fault-tolerant quantum computer.

The location behind Brisbane Airport was selected for its strategic advantages. Proximity to the Port of Brisbane enables transportation of large computing components, whilst high-capacity power infrastructure can support the energy-intensive operations required for quantum computing.

Brisbane Airport Corporation, which leases the land from the Commonwealth, must submit a major development plan before any construction activity can begin. That process cannot proceed until public consultation concludes and submissions are reviewed—steps that remain pending.

When questioned about the timeline during Senate estimates hearings in October, the federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources indicated it had not prepared contingency plans for delays extending beyond 2025.

Brisbane Airport’s Scott Norris, executive general manager for commercial operations, verified the airport’s engagement with PsiQuantum on precinct matters but did not elaborate on delay factors.

PsiQuantum has stated the project remains on track despite the visible lack of activity. A company spokesperson noted the importance of following proper development approval processes, indicating that construction will begin once Brisbane Airport receives the necessary permissions.

Behind the scenes, preparatory work continues. Engineering consultancy Jacobs has finalised the schematic design for the complex, whilst construction firm Lendlease has been engaged early to provide expertise on buildability and logistics.

The facility’s design is substantial in scope and technical complexity. Plans include a main office building, quantum computing operations buildings housing hundreds of cryogenic cabinets containing silicon photonic chips, and an enormous cryoplant that will maintain temperatures of minus 269 degrees Celsius, a mere four degrees above absolute zero.

That cryoplant, described as a critical component of the facility, is currently being manufactured in partnership with Linde Engineering and remains scheduled for delivery in 2027. The company has indicated building completion is still targeted for that year, with the quantum computer becoming operational several years later.

The project centres on quantum computing technology with potential applications in drug discovery, materials science, and complex system modelling. If completed as planned, the facility would position Queensland as a participant in quantum computing infrastructure development.

Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki has said the Crisafulli administration, which reviewed and ultimately proceeded with the agreement, expects PsiQuantum to fulfil its commitments. The venture is projected to generate up to 400 technology jobs in Brisbane.

Meanwhile, PsiQuantum’s related project at Griffith University’s Nathan campus faces its own timeline adjustments. A test and validation laboratory originally scheduled to open in 2025 has been rescheduled to May due to renovation work tied to broader building upgrades. That facility will feature a custom cryostat, described as one of Australia’s most powerful cryogenic systems, for testing quantum components before their integration into the main computer.

Read: Quantum Cooling Facility to Power Computer Project Near Brisbane Airport

The company has been expanding its Brisbane presence, establishing local headquarters in the CBD last year. Recent leadership transitions saw Australian co-founder Jeremy O’Brien move from chief executive to executive chairman, with industry veteran Victor Peng stepping in as interim CEO.

As 2026 progresses, observers are watching to see whether PsiQuantum can navigate the regulatory process in time to meet its 2027 construction deadline. The vacant site at Brisbane Airport remains a visible indicator that Australia’s largest quantum computing investment has yet to commence construction.

Published 17-February-2026

Retired Aircraft Tail to Feature in New Plane Viewing Area for Brisbane Airport Centenary

Photo Credit: Brisbane Airport

As part of its 100th anniversary celebrations, a new plane spotting area anchored by a retired aircraft tail is planned within the Brisbane Airport precinct, with improved viewing conditions designed for aviation enthusiasts and visiting families.

Centenary Plans Drive New Viewing Precinct

Brisbane Airport has announced plans for a new plane spotting precinct as part of its centenary celebrations. The project responds to increasing public interest in watching aircraft operations up close.

The new facility will be positioned south of the existing viewing platform, which will close temporarily while construction is underway.

Nundah plane spotting area — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Airport*

Retired Aircraft Forms Central Feature

The centrepiece of the viewing area will be the tail of a decommissioned Fokker F28 Fellowship. The 50-year-old aircraft tail was donated by Aviation Australia.

The installation creates a historical connection to another Fokker aircraft on display at Brisbane Airport, the Southern Cross, reinforcing the site’s aviation heritage.

Clearer Views of Aircraft Movements

The elevated platform will be located closer to the Zulu and Yankee taxiways than the current viewing area. This positioning is expected to provide less obstructed views of aircraft taxiing to and from the western runway.

Visitors will also be able to see aircraft landing and departing on the eastern runway, offering broader coverage of airport activity from a single location.

Facilities Designed for Visitors

Plans include shade and shelter, along with seating to improve comfort for families and photographers. The layout is intended to support longer visits and regular plane-spotting activity.

Brisbane Airport — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Longstanding Interest From Plane Spotters

Long-time plane spotters have welcomed the announcement, noting the opportunity to be closer to aircraft movements. Some regular visitors have followed aviation activity at the airport since its earlier operations at Eagle Farm.

Construction Timeline and Opening

Construction is scheduled to take place in 2026 and will require about 927 cubic metres of fill to establish the foundations. The existing viewing area will be closed during this period.

Brisbane Airport expects the new plane spotting precinct to open in 2026, with one report indicating the opening will occur in the second half of the year.

Published 27-Dec-2025

Brisbane Airport Metro Extension Study Faces Delays as New Bus Plan Proposed

Photo Credit: Brisbane Metro

A critical fifty-million-dollar investigation into extending the high-frequency Metro network to Brisbane Airport and major suburban hubs has yet to begin despite receiving funding approval.

Nearly eight months have passed since the federal government agreed to fund a rapid business case for four proposed extensions. These routes would connect the city centre to Carseldine, Springwood, Capalaba, and the airport. While the money is ready, the actual work to assess these vital connections has not started.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner indicated that progress is happening behind the scenes. He noted that major engineering and construction firms have already shown interest in the project. According to Schrinner, the council is currently finishing agreements with state and federal authorities on how the business case will be managed and rolled out.

As the airport extension study waits for the green light, transport advocates are proposing a different solution to help commuters right now. The RACQ has suggested a network of “Metro Glider” services. These would be smaller, more agile electric buses designed to move people from suburban streets onto the main train and busway lines.

RACQ general manager of advocacy Joshua Cooney viewed the expansion of the Brisbane Metro into the wider South East Queensland region as a quick and effective way to fix public transport gaps. He suggested that these smaller gliders could serve busy corridors that the larger Metro vehicles cannot reach. Areas like Lutwyche, South Pine, and Wynnum roads could benefit from these connectors.

The proposal also highlights the potential for gliders to link residents in Ipswich, Redcliffe, the Gold Coast, and Caboolture to their nearest train stations. Cooney explained that these vehicles could be on the road much faster than new train lines because they use existing roads and do not require heavy construction.

The push for expansion comes as the current Metro services see high passenger numbers. Since the M2 line between UQ Lakes and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital started early in the year, it has recorded more than 3.3 million trips. The M1 line, which runs from Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street, has also seen strong usage, with nearly one million trips since its launch in June.

Cooney noted that if the city gets this right, Brisbane could set a benchmark for urban planning that other growing cities might follow.

Published Date 18-December-2025

Golf Chipping World Record Attempt Set for Brisbane Airport

Photo Credit: Mick's Golf Challenge/Instagram

Brisbane golf enthusiast Mick McLoughlin will attempt a 24-hour golf chipping world record at Brisbane Airport to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Sporting Greats Support World Record Bid

High-profile sports figures including Sam Thaiday, Corey Oates, Josh McGuire, Robbie Dolan and Romy Teitzel have backed Mick McLoughlin by donating golf balls and joining him in practice ahead of his record attempt. The event, known as Chipping for Charity, will take place at Golf Central, Brisbane Airport, from midday Friday, 17 October to midday Saturday, 18 October.

golf chipping world record — *Photo Credit: Mick’s Golf Challenge/Instagram*

Background And Past Achievement

McLoughlin is no stranger to endurance golfing challenges. In 2021, he set a Guinness World Record by playing 2,001 holes in seven days. That effort raised $342,000, surpassing his target of $250,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities. The funds supported families of children receiving medical care, providing accommodation and meals.

The Challenge Ahead

This time, McLoughlin is preparing to break a record that has stood since 2002, which required 10,392 successful chips in 24 hours. His goal is to chip at least 11,000 balls using a 3-wood, with training and preparation underway for more than 12 months. The idea was sparked by his son, who noticed his pace during practice.

Physical Strain And Determination

McLoughlin has spoken about the physical toll, citing tendinitis in both arms, tennis elbow, wrist and knee issues, and foot problems. Despite these challenges, he has committed to the attempt, motivated by the families supported by Ronald McDonald House Charities. He aims to once again raise several hundred thousand dollars through the event.

Mick's Golf Challenge — *Photo Credit: Mick’s Golf Challenge/Instagram*

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Community Involvement And Donations

More than 11,000 golf balls are required for the attempt. Collection bins have been placed at Golf Central at Brisbane Airport, Wynnum Golf Club and Nudgee Golf Club. Members of the public are encouraged to donate old balls, attend the event, volunteer, or make a contribution through the official Chipping for Charity website.

Fundraising Progress

Ahead of the record attempt, fundraising efforts have already reached over $11,000 towards a goal of $250,000. All proceeds will go towards Ronald McDonald Houses across Australia, helping provide accommodation and support for families of sick or injured children.

Next Steps

McLoughlin will begin his 24-hour challenge at Golf Central, Brisbane Airport, at 12 p.m. on Friday, 17 October, with the goal of finishing at 12 p.m. on Saturday, 18 October. The outcome of the record attempt will be determined by the number of successful chips into the target zone.

Published 3-Oct-2025

Flight Path Proposals at Brisbane Airport Draw 1,300 Responses

Photo Credit: Pexels

More than 1,300 community submissions have been received on proposed new flight paths at Brisbane Airport, reflecting widespread concern over aircraft noise.

Background and Context

Brisbane Airport’s $1.1 billion second runway opened in July 2020, significantly altering aircraft movements across the city. Since then, noise complaints have increased, particularly from suburbs newly affected by low-flying aircraft.

Airservices Australia developed the Noise Action Plan for Brisbane in response to these concerns, aiming to reduce the impact of aircraft operations by redistributing flight paths. Consultation on Package 3 of the plan ran until 17 August 2025, later extended to 24 August 2025.

The airport currently manages about 615 aircraft movements a day, with forecasts estimating this will rise to 1,046 per day by 2046, excluding freight traffic, which is not expected to grow significantly.

Brisbane flight paths — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Proposed Flight Path Changes

The proposals include adjustments to both arrivals and departures, with the aim of shifting some routes offshore over Moreton Bay and spreading noise across a wider area.

According to Airservices, suburbs including Redland, Bribie Island and Samford could see reduced traffic, while some new routes could affect areas such as Kenmore.

Separately, consultation materials show potential changes in the north-west and south of the city. These would reduce traffic over Samford Valley, Cedar Creek and Logan, while increasing overflights for suburbs including Everton Park, Brisbane CBD, Bulimba, Balmoral and West End.

Alternatives and Noise-Sharing Approach

To reduce concentrated impacts, Airservices has promoted a “noise-sharing” strategy, meaning more communities will experience aircraft noise but less frequently. This includes maximising use of Simultaneous Opposite Direction Parallel Runway Operations (SODPROPS) over Moreton Bay when conditions permit.

Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessments were released for Package 3 proposals, covering departures and arrivals over land and water. Heat maps and usage statistics based on 2019 and 2024 flight data were also provided to help communities assess potential changes.

Community Sentiment

Public submissions exceeded 1,300 on the flight path changes, while just 42 submissions had been received on the airport’s long-term masterplan as of late August.

Residents reported disrupted sleep, with some counting more than a dozen aircraft overhead within half an hour. Community groups argue that shifting noise does not solve the problem and have called for measures such as night curfews and flight caps, similar to restrictions at Sydney, Adelaide and the Gold Coast airports.

Concerns have also been raised about expected growth in flights in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Community Wellbeing Support

In recognition of the stress linked to aircraft operations, Airservices has extended an independent counselling service through Converge International. The program is available free of charge to any community member and covers support for sleep issues, personal stress, mental health and other concerns.

Next Steps

Airservices Australia will review all feedback and determine which options can be implemented. The consultation is part of the broader Noise Action Plan for Brisbane, with outcomes expected to guide long-term planning for the airport. Expansion plans also include a third terminal by 2031 and land reserved for potential future runway extensions.

Published 3-Sep-2025

Brisbane Airport Growth Plans Highlighted in 2026 Draft, Consultation Open

Photo Credit: Brisbane Airport/Google Maps

Brisbane Airport has released its 2026 Preliminary Draft Master Plan for public consultation, outlining expansion projects and noise measures affecting surrounding suburbs.

Background to the Draft Plan

The Brisbane Airport 2026 Preliminary Draft Master Plan was made public on 4 August 2025, opening a 60-business-day consultation period ending on 30 October 2025. The document outlines a 20-year vision, including more than $5 billion in planned sustainable infrastructure investment over the next decade.

Brisbane Airport Corporation projects passenger numbers will grow from 25.7 million in 2026 to 52 million by 2046. The airport’s direct workforce is expected to double from 25,000 to 50,500 jobs during the same period. Economic contribution is forecast to increase from $5.6 billion to $11.5 billion annually.

airport expansion — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Airport*

Third Terminal and Airport Development

A third terminal is planned within the next decade to meet future demand. It is expected to be a domestic–international hybrid, allowing passengers to connect between flights without moving to a different terminal. The terminals will be renamed numerically as 1, 2, and 3.

Work on the new terminal’s tarmac is scheduled to begin next year, with expansion capacity built in for future growth. No name change for the airport is proposed.

2026 Master Plan — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Airport*

Transport and Connectivity

The plan reserves a rail corridor for a future Metro line connection, although operations cannot begin before 2036 due to an exclusivity agreement with the current Airtrain service. Upgrades to cycling, pedestrian, and motorist access are also proposed.

Noise and Community Concerns

Aircraft noise remains a concern for nearby suburbs. The master plan suggests quieter jet engine technology and routing more flights over Moreton Bay to reduce suburban noise. Airservices Australia is seeking feedback on possible flight path changes to address community concerns.

Security and Emerging Technology

Security screening upgrades will allow passengers to leave laptops in carry-on luggage, aiming to reduce wait times. The plan also allocates space for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, sometimes referred to as flying taxis, though this technology remains in early development and faces regulatory challenges.

Public Engagement and Next Steps

Public engagement activities include community events across Brisbane, information booths in airport terminals, and online access to the full draft plan. Members of the public can review the document and provide feedback until 30 October 2025 via the airport’s website.

Published 10-Aug-2025

Brisbane Airport-Based Stralis Leads Hydrogen Aircraft Push in Japan

Photo Credit: Trade and Investment QLD/Facebook

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.

hydrogen aviation — *Photo Credit: Trade and Investment QLD/Facebook*

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