- Stralis has closed weeks after completing a hydrogen-electric taxi test on 29 July 2026
- The company cited insufficient demand, high certification costs, and immature infrastructure
- Skytrans Australia was the launch customer for up to fifteen B1900D-HE conversions
- Evia Aero had committed to six Beech 1900D-HE conversions from Stralis
- The company will wind up activities by the end of August 2026
Stralis, the Australian aircraft manufacturer based at Brisbane International, has closed down weeks after completing its first hydrogen-electric taxi test with the Beechcraft A36 Bonanza VH-X2H on 29 July 2026. The company cited insufficient airline demand, high certification costs, and immature hydrogen supply, infrastructure, and regulatory pathways as the reasons for the closure. Stralis plans to wind up its activities by the end of August 2026.
The Australian OEM stated that it could not close the gap between proof of concept and commercial readiness quickly enough to sustain the business. Stralis had identified Skytrans Australia as the launch customer for up to fifteen B1900D-HE conversions, and Penjet and Air Frontier had also expressed interest in the type. Aviate Enterprises was set to become the American launch customer for the A36-HE conversion. The company had planned to start piloted flight testing with VH-X2H later in 2026.
Florian Kruse, chief executive of Evia Aero, expressed deep regret at Stralis’ decision to exit the market but confirmed that Evia Aero remains on track to introduce sustainable aircraft after 2030 under a multi-OEM approach. Evia Aero had committed to six Beech 1900D-HE conversions and five A36-HE retrofits due from 2029. Stralis had become Evia Aero’s European commercial representative in March 2026. According to data from Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Stralis has two Bonanza aircraft registered under its name: VH-X2H and VH-8H2.
Florian Kruse, Chief Executive of Evia Aero, shared: “We deeply regret Stralis’ decision to exit the market, but we remain on track to introduce sustainable aircraft after 2030 under a multi-OEM approach, and we continue to believe in the long-term viability of hydrogen-powered aviation.”
