- Queensland innovation goes global with Stralis Aircraft securing a major aerospace deal in Japan.
- New partnership delivers jobs, skills, and export growth for Queensland's advanced manufacturing sector.
- The Crisafulli Government delivers results through practical trade missions and strategic international engagement.
The Crisafulli Government's trade mission to Japan has delivered a major win for Queensland's aerospace and manufacturing industries, with Brisbane-based innovator Stralis Aircraft securing a landmark agreement with two leading Japanese universities.
This is a clear example of the Crisafulli Government's focus on delivering outcomes through strategic, innovation-led partnerships.
The agreement supports Queensland's renewed international engagement under the Queensland–Japan Trade and Investment Strategy 2025–2028.
The Strategy prioritises export growth and practical collaboration, and marks a shift away from the former Labor Government's costly energy experiments toward disciplined, results-driven economic diplomacy.
Stralis will work with Akita University and Akita Prefectural University to advance aircraft propulsion systems, workforce training, and joint research.
The partnership was facilitated by Japanese industrial leader IHI and supported by Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) Japan, whose revitalised approach under the Crisafulli Government is reconnecting Queensland with global markets after years of neglect under the former Labor Government.
The deal also opens new training pathways for aviation engineers and technicians - building the skilled workforce needed to support Queensland's growing industrial base.
This agreement adds momentum to Queensland's broader trade mission in Japan, which is strengthening partnerships in education, research, and manufacturing, core sectors in the Crisafulli Government's plan to rebuild the economy and restore global credibility.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said after years of Labor mismanagement, Queensland was back in the game, and open for business.
"This is Queensland innovation going global - and delivering real economic opportunities back home," Minister Bates said.
"Under the Crisafulli Government, we're backing Queensland businesses to scale, export, and grow jobs. This is what responsible economic management looks like.
"The former Government let our trade relationships idle. We're changing that. Queensland is open for business - and we're backing it with action."
Co-Founder and CEO of Stralis Aircraft Bob Criner said he was extremely excited to begin our collaboration with the world-class team and facility in Akita.
"Japan has been a global leader in aerospace and hydrogen innovation for decades," Mr Criner said.
"This partnership will accelerate our hydrogen aircraft technology development and facilitate skills and knowledge exchange between our organisations.
"It will also allow Stralis to create cutting edge research and innovation jobs in Queensland, so our workforce is prepared to manufacture and export advanced aircraft technology in the future."
Akita University / Akita Prefectural University Joint Research Center for Electric Architecture Director Junichi Sakaki said they were pleased to sign the MoU with Stralis.
"This collaboration in aircraft system electrification, using our testing facilities in Akita, represents a meaningful step in international technological cooperation," Mr Sakaki said.
"We look forward to contributing to both talent development and a more sustainable future."
