On Wednesday, Air New Zealand (AIR.NZ) announced its order of an all-electric five-seat ALIA plane from U.S.-based BETA Technologies, marking the airline’s first step in adopting next-generation aircraft to reduce carbon emissions on short domestic flights.
The firm order includes one ALIA with options for two more and rights for an additional 20 aircraft, aligning with the airline’s broader aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
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To meet its sustainability goals, Air New Zealand plans to conduct a zero-emissions commercial demonstrator flight by 2026. Furthermore, the airline aims to replace its current 50-seat De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q300 turboprops, which operate short domestic routes, with lower-emission alternatives starting in 2030.
The global aviation industry is actively pursuing sustainable aviation fuel and exploring electric, hybrid, and hydrogen propulsion technologies to mitigate its environmental impact.
Greg Foran, CEO of Air New Zealand, emphasized the significance of the ALIA purchase, stating that it marks a new chapter for the airline. Initially, the ALIA will be engaged in a cargo-only service in partnership with New Zealand Post.
The aircraft is designed for short-distance flights, with routes of approximately 150 km (93 miles). The ALIA, with a length of 12 meters (39 feet), a weight of three metric tons, and a maximum speed of 270 km per hour, can accommodate five passengers and one pilot in a passenger configuration, according to information provided by BETA.
BETA Technologies, a privately-held company founded in 2017 and based in Vermont, has been working on obtaining U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certification for the ALIA.
The company conducted successful testing, including a flight that covered more than 480 km. In addition to BETA, Air New Zealand has collaborated with Eviation, VoltAero, and Cranfield Aerospace in the development of next-generation aircraft.
