At Crux we believe flight can be cleaner and cheaper.
We recognise that hydrogen is the most practical way to truly decarbonise mainstream flight, so we are working with partners to re-power an existing utility aircraft with a hydrogen-electric propulsion system.
We are designing our aircraft for real-world commercial applications, with the same performance characteristics as conventionally jet fueled aircraft, but with virtually zero emissions. The aircraft will be commercially competitive for a wide range of tasks while localising the value of aviation fuel supply.
New Zealand has a uniquely powerful environment for developing and testing a hydrogen-electric aircraft.
Combining progressive regulation, abundant renewable energy, deep aerospace expertise and a world-class engineering culture that enables rapid, safe and innovative design, testing, and deployment.
At the core of this advantage is New Zealand’s world-leading approach to flight testing. The country has adopted a progressive ‘sandbox approach’ to emerging aviation technologies, offering dedicated experimental airspace, with some of the clearest and least congested skies in the world. This environment enables rapid iteration, safe testing, and accelerated certification pathways that are difficult to achieve elsewhere.
This advantage is reinforced by an engaged regulator. The New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority’s Emerging Technologies Programme supports real-world testing of novel aircraft, while a highly renewable, hydro-firmed energy system enables low-cost, low-carbon green hydrogen production.
Across Australasia, a strong hydrogen and cryogenic ecosystem supports hydrogen aviation development, including lightweight fuel cells, liquid hydrogen delivery, and storage. In New Zealand, critical work is underway to integrate liquid hydrogen storage with high temperature fuel cells. Crux’s local airframe partner has a vertically integrated model, building around 90% of the aircraft in-house, which enables rapid design, build, and test cycles.
This capability sits firmly alongside a national tradition of aviation innovation. From Richard Pearse’s early pioneering work to today’s advanced aerospace programmes, New Zealand has consistently made bold progress.
Underpinning all of this is a world-class talent base and engineering culture. New Zealand’s aerospace and cryogenic engineers are globally respected, and the country’s “Team New Zealand” mindset shapes how Crux will build, test, and deliver this breakthrough aircraft.
