Queensland Aerospace Firm Strikes Major Partnership in Japan

A Queensland aerospace company has secured a significant international partnership as part of the state government's trade mission to Japan.

Brisbane-based Stralis Aircraft has signed a landmark agreement with Akita University and Akita Prefectural University to collaborate on advanced aircraft propulsion technologies, workforce training, and joint research initiatives. The agreement was facilitated by Japanese industrial heavyweight IHI and supported by Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) Japan.

The deal forms part of the Queensland-Japan Trade and Investment Strategy 2025-2028, which aims to foster export growth and enhance practical collaboration between the two regions.

Stralis CEO and Co-Founder Bob Criner welcomed the agreement, highlighting Japan's long-standing leadership in aerospace and hydrogen innovation.

"This partnership will accelerate the development of our hydrogen aircraft technology and promote valuable skills and knowledge exchange," Mr Criner said. "It also allows us to create new research and innovation jobs in Queensland, helping us prepare the workforce for future manufacturing and exports in advanced aircraft systems."

Director of the Joint Research Center for Electric Architecture at Akita University, Junichi Sakaki, said the collaboration marked an important milestone in international cooperation on sustainable aviation technologies.

"This agreement allows us to jointly advance the electrification of aircraft systems using our facilities in Akita," Professor Sakaki said. "We're pleased to contribute to both talent development and a cleaner future."

Queensland's Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates, described the partnership as a strong example of local innovation reaching the global stage.

"This agreement shows that Queensland is open for business and serious about driving jobs and export growth," Minister Bates said. "We're focused on building strategic partnerships that deliver real economic opportunities."

The agreement also opens new education and training pathways for aviation engineers and technicians in Queensland, helping to develop the skilled workforce required to support the state's expanding aerospace and manufacturing sectors.

The partnership adds momentum to Queensland's broader trade mission in Japan, which also includes initiatives in education, research, and industrial development.