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Air New Zealand’s first electric aircraft has hit the skies as the airline begins a four-month trial.
The BETA ALIA CX300, currently registered N401NZ, took off from Tauranga Airport on Friday morning for its inaugural test flight. It will be based in Hamilton, then move to Wellington in December for another two months.
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“New Zealand has a proud history of aviation innovation and pushing for progress, whether it’s Richard Pearse who first opened the skies with flying machines, to the era of TEAL flying boats, through to engineers and aviators who connected us to the world,” said Baden Smith, Air New Zealand’s general manager of fleet, networks and strategy.
“It’s incredibly special to partner with a global innovator like BETA to ensure New Zealand is a part of shaping what the future of flight might look like both here and around the world. We know aviation will keep changing – it always has.
“This is a small, cautious step to learn and be part of that change.”
Air New Zealand is leasing N401NZ for the initial technical demonstrator program, which will allow the airline, as well as partners and regulators, to see how it will perform in local conditions, as well as familiarise pilots and engineers with the platform.
According to BETA Technologies’ director of flight operations, Chris Caputo, the ALIA is an “all-weather” aircraft that can accommodate two crew members and up to 5.6 cubic metres of cargo.
“We built the ALIA CX300 on a foundation of simplicity to ensure a fast, safe, and efficient path to commercial service,” he said.
“With this ‘Tech Demonstrator’ collaboration, Air New Zealand is not just validating a single aircraft – they are creating the rigorous operational blueprint that will serve as a model for operators around the world who are serious about unlocking low-cost, sustainable connectivity for their regional communities.”
The airline picked the ALIA from four contenders in 2023, selecting the battery-powered conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) version of the aircraft. Air New Zealand has a firm order for one ALIA, with options for an extra two and rights for a further 20.
ALIA is capable of speeds up to 270km/h, has reached ranges of 480km in testing, and can be fully charged in 40 to 60 minutes. Air New Zealand plans to initially operate it for NZ Post cargo services on routes of around 150km, at altitudes of between 1,500 to 3,000 metres.
