Air NZL electric for freight first
Air New Zealand has announced the Alia as the airline's first purchase of a next-generation aircraft in its Mission Next Gen Aircraft programme.
Designed by electric aerospace company Beta Technologies, the battery-powered all-electric aircraft is expected to join Air New Zealand's fleet in 2026. Air New Zealand is purchasing the conventional take-off and landing version of the Alia.
The announcement follows an 18-month period of evaluation and diligence by Air New Zealand. Beta's Alia is the first commercial order in the programme.
Air New Zealand will initially operate the aircraft as a cargo-only service in partnership with New Zealand Post, on a route which will be selected through an expressions of interest (EOI) process with airports in Aotearoa. (cj)