A collaboration has begun between Stralis Aircraft, Fabrum, and Ara Ake, who will design, develop, and test liquid-hydrogen storage tanks, plus a fuel system for Stralis aircraft. The aim is to support the transition to zero-emission aviation and enable Australasia’s first liquid-hydrogen-powered flight.

Skills and knowledge around liquid-hydrogen storage refuelling, plus aircraft integration, will be developed by the project as well, and this will align with New Zealand’s part in hydrogen aviation, which is quickly expanding. Another aim is to develop and support industry ties between New Zealand and Australia.

Stralis Aircraft will incorporate Fabrum’s tanks and fuel cell system into its aircraft, and in return, Fabrum will provide dispensing systems and lightweight composite tanks, which are necessary within hydrogen-powered aircrafts.

As Stralis’ technology is lighter than conventional technology, it may make it possible to fly ten times further than a battery-electric solution and at a lower cost than planes powered by fossil fuels.

Fabrum and Stralis have accelerated this technology’s development, due to support from Ara Ake, and the companies are working towards accomplishing Australasia’s first liquid-hydrogen-powered flight. This is a significant step both technically and toward enabling zero-emission aviation within Australasia and further.

Christopher Boyle, Managing Director of Fabrum, commented, “Our hydrogen liquefier provides readily available liquid hydrogen onsite, allowing the capability to access the critical fuel source to prove and test the tanks and fuel system we are developing for Stralis and their fixed-wing fuel-cell electric aircraft. With Ara Ake support, we are excited to be delivering our light-weight composite tanks and fuel system for Stralis to advance the future of hydrogen-powered flight.”

Cristiano Marantes, CEO of Ara Ake, added, “This project is a strong example of Ara Ake’s role in connecting leading organisations across countries to advance real-world clean energy solutions. By enabling this initiative, we’re supporting the first hydrogen-electric demonstration with liquid hydrogen and positioning New Zealand as a global testbed for sustainable aviation innovation.”

Stuart Johnstone, co-founder and CTO of Stralis Aircraft, stated, “This project is a significant step forward for Stralis as we test and refine our hydrogen-electric propulsion technology and build our liquid hydrogen capability. We look forward to advancing hydrogen-electric aviation and fostering new partnerships in New Zealand.”