Air New Zealand wraps up first phase of Next Generation aircraft demonstrator programme

During the programme, the battery-electric ALIA CX300 completed more than 100 flights, flew 13,000 kilometres, and visited 12 airports or aerodromes across the North and South Islands. Two Air New Zealand pilots and eight BETA Technologies pilots flew the aircraft in a range of conditions, building real-world operational experience alongside the Civil Aviation Authority and airport partners in Hamilton, Wellington and Marlborough.  

Air New Zealand's General Manager Strategy, Networks and Fleet, Baden Smith, says the 

programme delivered valuable insights on how an electric propulsion aircraft performs, what's required to operate within New Zealand's existing aviation systems, and how future technologies could integrate into the aviation network. 

"This programme was about learning by doing," says Baden Smith. "Flying the aircraft in real conditions, across real routes, with our people and partners involved has given us a much deeper understanding of what next-generation aircraft could mean for New Zealand aviation in the future. 

"We worked through everything from pilot training and flight planning to energy use, airport interfaces and airspace integration. Those learnings will directly inform how we think about the future of our fleet, our network, and scaling this type of technology" he says. 

A key milestone was New Zealand's first low-emissions instrument flight rules (IFR) operation in December. IFR flying allows pilots to operate using flightdeck instruments rather than visual cues, which is critical in low-visibility or cloudy conditions. The programme also included Wellington–Blenheim crossings, understanding how the aircraft operated across Cook Strait in real-world conditions. 

The programme highlighted the operational efficiencies that emerging aircraft technologies could offer, including the Wellington-Blenheim route showing a significant difference between conventional fuel costs of approximately $110 in a Cessna Caravan and electrical energy use of $20 in the ALIA CX300.  Air New Zealand also carried more than 20 tonnes of mock cargo during the programme, and beyond flying, around 700 people experienced the ALIA CX300 up close. 

"What stood out was how strongly people responded once they could see and touch the aircraft," says Baden Smith. "It's helped move the conversation from 'what if' to 'how might this work', which is exactly what a technical demonstrator programme should do." 

BETA Technologies' Head of Sales & Support, Simon Newitt says, "This programme showed what's possible when electric aircraft are flown in real airline environments. Flying more than 100 flights across both islands, including Cook Strait crossings and New Zealand's first low-emissions IFR operations, gave our teams and Air New Zealand invaluable insight into how electric aircraft integrate with existing airspace, airports, and everyday airline workflows."  

"We're grateful to work alongside Air New Zealand, the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, and airport partners including Wellington and Marlborough airports, whose infrastructure investments helped make this programme possible.   New Zealand's geography and regional connectivity needs make it a powerful proving ground, enabling practical learnings that can support more cost-efficient and sustainable aviation here, while also informing deployments globally," added Newitt. 

While the ALIA CX300 demonstrator will now be handed back to BETA Technologies for its next phase, Air New Zealand says the knowledge gained will continue to shape discussions with regulators, manufacturers and partners as aviation technology evolves. 

"This programme puts New Zealand in a strong position - informed by evidence, experience and people - to make smart choices about the future.  Leading innovators like BETA Technologies will change the game and we wholeheartedly thank them for their partnership," says Baden Smith.