Developing the first commercially useful zero emissions aircraft.
At Crux, we believe that 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 offers a compelling environment for developing a hydrogen-electric aircraft, combining progressive regulation, abundant renewable energy, advanced aerospace expertise, and a world-class engineering culture that enables rapid, safe, and innovative design, testing, and deployment.
The HEXL Aircraft
Single or Dual Pilot • Cruise 150kts • Short Take-Off and Landing <200m
Crux Team
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Dana Goodwin
Co-Founder and CEO
Dana is an aerospace design engineer with 32 years’ experience in civil and military airworthiness. She has worked for major OEMs including Hawker Beechcraft, Boeing, and Airbus, leading aircraft modifications and commercial programme management.Dana has also supported start‑ups across multiple sectors to build technical capability so understands the opportunities and challenges of scaling innovative technology.
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Dr. David Gawith
Co-Founder and Head of Programme
David is a transport economist and commercial strategist with a PhD in climate economics from the University of Cambridge and over 10 years of consulting experience.
He has delivered climate, energy, and transport projects for the OECD, the Global Green Growth Institute, and the International Finance Corporation, along with aviation sector analysis on projects for the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.
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Ray Long
Chief Test Pilot and Head of Production
Ray Long brings 38 years of experience in aviation, and 15 years in aircraft maintenance. He has held a commercial pilot’s licence for more than 25 years, has over 10,000 hours of flight experience, and holds a New Zealand category 2 test pilot approval.
He has been a flight test engineer or test pilot on seven different aircraft repower programmes, including the 750XL-II certification programme.
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Hannah Craig
Head of Brand
Hannah is a strategic marketing and communications leader with experience in sustainability, digital engagement, and global brand management.She has led projects at Fonterra, managed international brands in the UK, and driven go‑to‑market strategy for an AI startup. She brings strengths in digital strategy, brand development, and sustainability‑focused storytelling.
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Dr. Jamie Gawith
Technical Advisor - Cryogenics and Electrical Systems
Jamie is an Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Bath and holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge focusing on superconductivity and cryogenics.
His background spans technology startups, industrial research and development and academic research, specialising in emerging energy systems, including wireless charging, nuclear fusion and superconducting motors.
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Dr. Prageeth Jayathissa
Technical Advisor - Energy
Prageeth is an energy systems engineer with 15 years of energy related research and development experience.He holds a PhD from the ETH Zurich, with over 1500 academic citations and has worked in a broad range of deep-tech projects ranging from carbon nano-tube super capacitors, to thin film solar integration into building facades. He is currently the GM Sustainability at Vector Limited.
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Riona Armesmith
Technical Advisor - Aerospace Propulsion
Riona is an aerospace technology leader specialising in electric propulsion and advanced aviation systems. Now CEO of AEREVO Advisory, formerly CTO at magniX and held senior roles at Rolls‑Royce. She brings extensive engineering, product development, and programme leadership experience, having delivered five world leading battery electric and hydrogen electric propulsion programmes to flight.
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