Air New Zealand Completes Electric Flight Trials

Air New Zealand has completed a four-month-long flight demonstration campaign with Beta Technologies’ Alia CX300 electric airplane, the airline announced on February 17. 

According to Air New Zealand, the Alia CX300 traveled about 13,000 kilometers (7,000 nm) over more than 100 flights, visiting 12 airports across the North and South Islands. Eight Beta pilots and four Air New Zealand pilots took turns at the helm.

Vermont-based Beta Technologies has been leasing the six-seat Alia airplane (U.S.-registered as N401NZ) to Air New Zealand for the flag carrier’s “Mission Next Gen Aircraft” program, which aims to accelerate the introduction of zero- and low-emission aircraft in the airline’s domestic cargo operations as part of its broader decarbonization effort. 

“This program was about learning by doing,” said Baden Smith, Air New Zealand's general manager of strategy, networks, and fleet. “Flying the aircraft in real conditions, across real routes, with our people and partners involved has given us a much deeper understanding of what next-generation aircraft could mean for New Zealand aviation in the future.

“We worked through everything from pilot training and flight planning to energy use, airport interfaces, and airspace integration. Those learnings will directly inform how we think about the future of our fleet, our network, and scaling this type of technology.” 

During the four-month demonstration period, the Alia aircraft transported about 20 tonnes (44,000 pounds) of mock cargo. On the ground, more than 700 people across New Zealand took the opportunity to see the aircraft up close. 

One highlight of the Alia demonstrations was New Zealand's first low-emissions flight under instrument flight rules (IFR), which took place in December. 

Another highlight was the significant reduction in operating costs, according to Air New Zealand. For example, the Wellington-Blenheim route requires about $110 worth of fuel in a Cessna Caravan, whereas the Alia aircraft used about $20 in electricity, the airline said. 

Air New Zealand and Beta signed a deal in 2023 for up to 23 Alia aircraft to be deployed for commercial cargo operations that the carrier said could launch before the end of 2026, pending regulatory approval. Beta has not yet obtained type certification for the Alia CX300. The manufacturer is working with the FAA to certify it under Part 23 rules, and the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand is expected to issue its type certificate in parallel.