Sunday, December 10, 2023
Air New Zealand has unveiled its inaugural purchase of a next-generation aircraft in the Mission Next Gen Aircraft program—the ALIA. Crafted by electric aerospace firm BETA Technologies, this battery-powered, all-electric airplane is set to become part of Air New Zealand’s fleet by 2026. The airline has opted for the conventional take-off and landing version of the ALIA.
After a meticulous 18-month assessment period, during which Air New Zealand solicited ideas from 30 organizations through its Mission Next Gen Aircraft initiative, the airline has chosen four partners to collaborate closely on its objective of commencing commercial flights with next-gen aircraft in 2026. BETA Technologies’ ALIA secures the inaugural commercial order within this program.
Initially, Air New Zealand plans to operate the ALIA exclusively for cargo services, partnering with New Zealand Post. The specific route will be determined through an expressions of interest (EOI) process involving airports throughout Aotearoa.
Greg Foran, Air New Zealand’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasizes that this acquisition underscores the airline’s dedication to deploying lower-emission aircraft in New Zealand. He views this as a crucial step in a broader journey for the airline, acknowledging the challenges of decarbonizing aviation. The ALIA is positioned as a catalyst for change, providing a platform for advancing knowledge and facilitating the transformation needed in Aotearoa’s aviation system, with the ultimate goal of introducing larger, fleet-replacing, next-gen aircraft by 2030.
Kyle Clark, CEO of BETA Technologies, commends Air New Zealand’s commitment to decarbonizing aviation. He highlights the airline’s rapid and practical approach to scaling technologies for both its own decarbonization goals and the broader aviation landscape. The partnership between Air New Zealand and BETA reflects a forward-thinking, yet methodical, approach to innovation. Clark expresses gratitude for the airline’s confidence in BETA’s technology, anticipating a continued collaborative effort leading up to the market release of the ALIA in 2026.
Monday, January 1, 2024
