Skytrans reveals takeoff date for hydrogen electric project

Cairns-based airline leads the way with a partnership to ‘bottled sunshine’ with technology that will deliver zero-emissions and reduce operating costs by 24 per cent.

A CAIRNS-based airline will be at the forefront of the aviation zero-emissions movement with the announcement it will partner to develop and trial Australia’s first hydrogen electric propulsion aeroplane.

Skytrans chief executive officer Alan Milne revealed the airline’s partnership with Stralis Aircraft and said the project would completely eradicate harmful aircraft emissions.

Skytrans extensive FNQ routes include Cairns to destinations throughout the Cape York and Torres Strait.

The announcement will be made on June 30 at the Regional Aviation Association of Australia annual conference in Darwin.

Mr Milne said the zero-emissions hydrogen electric propulsion system (HEPS) would be installed on a Beechcraft 1900D Airliner with the trial flight to occur in North Queensland, demonstrating the technology was reliable for tough local conditions and the area’s pristine ecosystems.

Cairns-based airline Skytrans chief executive officer Alan Milne and Stralis Aircraft chief technology officer Stuart Johnstone said they are excited to partner in a development to trial Australia’s first hydrogen electric propulsion aeroplane which will completely eradicate harmful aircraft emissions. Picture: Supplied

Mr Milne said Skytrans – which was part-owned by NRL great Johnathan Thurston – aims to be a net zero airline by 2050. The first test flight is expected to be completed in early 2025, with certification and entry into service in 2026.

“We are proud to be leading the nation in developing its hydrogen industry and we want to play a leading role in showing that this technology can work in aviation.

“The impacts of climate change are concerning for local communities and that’s why we are playing a major role in reducing the environmental impact of aviation.”

Stralis chief technology officer, Stuart Johnstone said the project also made good financial sense.

“When the B1900D-HE enters service in 2026, it will have comparable operating costs to conventional 19 seat turboprop aircraft,” he said.

Cairns-based airline Skytrans and Stralis Aircraft will partner in a high-tech trial of Australia's first hydrogen electric propulsion aeroplane which will completely eradicate harmful aircraft emissions and lower operating costs. Picture: Supplied

“And 25 per cent less operating costs by 2035.”

Stralis Aircraft co-founder and chief technology officer Stuart Johnstone said the project offers opportunities for the local industry to upskill and scale-up advanced manufacturing capabilities and bring work to the region.

He said as part of the project, Stralis Aircraft would design, build and flight test an integrated HEPS centred around an airworthy electric motor and that they are looking for strategic partners to develop a megawatt class fuel cell system suitable for their application.

“Queensland is ramping up its capacity to produce green hydrogen, ‘bottled sunshine’, from local wind and solar resources,” Mr Johnstone said.

“Stralis will take advantage of this to help companies like Skytrans continue to provide affordable air travel as the world transitions to Net Zero.

Mr Johnstone said developing this innovative technology would allow to access the $3.4 billion a year medium-sized turboprop market.

“As green hydrogen drops in price, it will become price competitive with fossil fuels within the next five years and we want to be well positioned to capitalise on the opportunities from this technology,” he said.

“When the B1900D-HE enters service in 2026, it will have comparable operating costs to conventional 19 seat turboprop aircraft and 25 per cent less operating costs by 2035”.

The aviation industry currently contributes 2.4 per cent of annual global CO2 emissions, around 1 billion tonnes (pre-Covid).

The retrofit Stralis B1900D-HE will have a range of 800km and will have the capacity to carry 15 passengers.

Originally published as Skytrans reveals takeoff date for hydrogen electric project