Stralis Aircraft, Fabrum and Ara Ake are collaborating to advance H₂-powered aviation by designing, developing and testing liquid-H₂ storage tanks and a fuel system for Stralis aircraft. The partnership aims to enable Australasia’s first liquid-H₂-powered flight - and support the transition toward zero-emission aviation.

Australian company Stralis Aircraft, which develops high-performance, low-operating-cost H₂-electric propulsion systems, will integrate Fabrum’s tanks and fuel system into its aircraft. New Zealand company Fabrum, which specializes in zero-emission transition technology, will provide lightweight composite tanks and dispensing systems, essential enablers for H₂-powered aircraft. The project is supported by Ara Ake, New Zealand’s future energy center, and aligns with Fabrum’s recently announced H₂ testing facility at Christchurch International Airport.

“Our H₂ liquefier provides readily available liquid H₂ 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,” said Christopher Boyle, Managing Director of Fabrum. “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 H₂-powered flight.”

The collaboration also aims to strengthen industry ties between New Zealand and Australia. The project will build expertise in liquid-H₂ storage refueling, and aircraft integration, contributing to New Zealand’s growing role in H₂ aviation.

“This project is a strong example of Ara Ake’s role in connecting leading organizations across countries to advance real-world clean energy solutions,” said Cristiano Marantes, CEO of Ara Ake. “By enabling this initiative, we’re supporting the first H₂-electric demonstration with liquid H₂ and positioning New Zealand as a global testbed for sustainable aviation innovation.”

Stralis’ fuel-cell technology is significantly lighter than existing alternatives, potentially enabling aircraft to fly ten times further than battery-electric solutions at a lower cost than fossil-fuel-powered planes. The company is already testing its H₂-electric propulsion systems with a team that has deep expertise in electric-aircraft development.

“This project is a significant step forward for Stralis as we test and refine our H₂-electric propulsion technology and build our liquid H₂ capability,” said Stuart Johnstone, co-founder and CTO of Stralis Aircraft. “We look forward to advancing H₂-electric aviation and fostering new partnerships in New Zealand.”

Green H₂ is produced through electrolysis of water using renewable electricity. With an energy density three times higher than sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and over 100 times greater than batteries, H₂ can offer a credible alternative for aviation.

The support from Ara Ake has enabled Stralis and Fabrum to accelerate the development of this technology, with the goal of achieving Australasia’s first liquid-H₂-powered flight. This collaboration represents not just a technical milestone, but a pivotal step toward making zero-emission aviation a commercial reality in Australasia and beyond.