Air New Zealand to begin electric aircraft demonstration flights in 2025

Air New Zealand is advancing its goal of introducing electric aircraft into its fleet with the announcement of a technical demonstrator programme using the battery-electric ALIA CX300 aircraft from April 2025. Manufactured by US partner BETA Technologies, the aircraft will be used to evaluate its performance in New Zealand conditions before commercial operations commence in 2026.

The ALIA CX300 will initially be based at Hamilton Airport for a series of proving flights, with operations gradually expanding to surrounding airports and Wellington. These flights will replicate the planned cargo route between Wellington and Blenheim, set to launch in 2026 in partnership with New Zealand Post. Bringing the aircraft to New Zealand a year ahead of commercial service allows Air New Zealand to refine operations, train pilots and familiarise crews with the technology.

Kiri Hannifin, Air New Zealand's Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, highlighted the significance of this milestone in achieving the airline's net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050.