Air New Zealand's Electric Revolution in Aires
Air New Zealand on the road to fleet electrification
In a pioneering move, Air New Zealand has set itself the goal of integrating an all-electric aircraft into its fleet by 2026, for cargo operations. American aircraft manufacturer Beta Technologies will supply the Alia model aircraft, putting a foot in the door of environmentally-friendly air logistics.
Kiri Hannifin, in charge of the airline's green initiatives, shared with AFP Air New Zealand's lofty ambitions, aiming to rise as the first carrier to deploy electric aircraft for commercial services.
Technical specifications and future prospects
- Recharging: Alia recharges completely in about an hour.
- Autonomy: The aircraft managed to fly a distance of 480 kilometers during tests.
- Performance: With a cruising speed of 270 km/h, it can reach altitudes of 3,000 metres.
- First missions: Initial routes of around 150 kilometers are envisaged upon certification.
As for passenger travel, nothing has yet been established, although Scandinavian Airlines is aiming for 2028 for its first commercial electric flights.
Investing in the future
The company's ambition is to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. Greg Foran, CEO of Air New Zealand, expresses his vision to the press in Auckland: a profound transformation of regional operations through electric technology. Larger, electrically-powered aircraft could be in the fleet by 2030.
Innovation through Collaboration
| Company | Contribution |
| Beta Technologies | Development of electric aircraft, including vertical take-off and conventional models. |
| Fidelity & Amazon | Financial support for Beta Technologies' fund-raising activities. |
In conclusion, Air New Zealand's commitment to an electric future not only demonstrates an imminent change in the aviation industry, but also underlines their leadership role in aviation environmental initiatives.
English 
French