Air New Zealand and BETA Technologies launch first electric aircraft programme

The BETA ALIA CX300, the first electric aircraft to carry the Air New Zealand name, will fly a series of flights across the country over the next four months.

In Hamilton, the aircraft will begin an intensive proving programme before travelling south to Wellington via Taupō, Napier, and Palmerston North. Once in Wellington, it will prepare for Cook Strait crossings to Blenheim by the end of January.

The aircraft's arrival and initial flights follow months of preparation between Air New Zealand, US-based BETA Technologies, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and airport partners to safely operate and monitor the aircraft in New Zealand conditions.

The four-month demonstrator programme will see Air New Zealand pilots, Andrew Mercer and James Owen, work alongside BETA's flight operations and engineering team to undertake flights in a range of conditions, flight manoeuvres and routes, building knowledge and training systems not only for New Zealand, but globally.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar says the programme represents another step in the airline's long-term innovation and fleet strategy.

"Sixty percent of regional flights in New Zealand are less than 350 kilometres, and around 85 percent of our electricity is renewable – the perfect laboratory for next generation aircraft. While new propulsion technologies are still developing, BETA is leading the way and we're witnessing a true technology step-change.

"New Zealand is a country with a pioneering spirit and has always been a fantastic place to try new things. In bringing the ALIA CX300 to New Zealand, we've experienced true collaboration - a world-leading global innovator in BETA Technologies working with Kiwi engineers, pilots, regulators and airports - all focused on understanding how this emerging technology can be safely and practically integrated into the New Zealand airspace when it's scalable and ready."

Simon Newitt, BETA Technologies' Head of Global Sales, says operating in New Zealand provides invaluable insights for the aircraft's global deployment.

"Launching this programme is an exciting moment for BETA, as it marks the early stages of operations with Air New Zealand. Our aircraft are designed to carry out all types of flight missions, and this programme represents the next step in validating and preparing our technology for rigorous, real-world environments.

"This collaboration between airline, regulator, and infrastructure partners sets an example for how the aviation industry can continue to progress and innovate while safely bringing lower-emission, lower-cost, next-generation aircraft into service."

Hamilton Airport Chief Executive Mark Morgan says the airport is proud to host the first New Zealand phase of flying for the BETA ALIA CX300.

"The Hamilton airspace is a great place to learn and understand the systems, infrastructure, and logistics that will one day support next-generation aircraft across the country, and we're excited to be part of that learning for the future."

Civil Aviation Authority Director and Chief Executive Kane Patena says the technical demonstrator allows the CAA to better understand emerging aircraft systems and inform the regulatory frameworks needed to support their safe integration into New Zealand's aviation network. 

"Emerging aviation technologies don't always fit into existing rules, so it's our job to facilitate a clear pathway that helps operators safely bring these technologies into New Zealand's unique aviation system."

Notes to editors:

• The BETA ALIA CX300 is a battery-electric aircraft manufactured by BETA Technologies, based in Vermont, USA. The aircraft can accommodate two crew and up to 5.6 cubic metres (200 cubic feet) of cargo on missions up to approximately 398 kilometres (215 nautical miles). Air New Zealand will fly routes of up to 200 kilometres as part of the technical demonstrator programme. 
• Air New Zealand has leased the aircraft for a four-month technical demonstrator programme to gather operational and environmental performance data.
• The aircraft first took off in New Zealand from Tauranga on 17 October 2025 following a sunrise blessing ceremony. It then flew to Hamilton that same day.
• Air New Zealand pilots, Andrew Mercer and James Owen, will operate the aircraft alongside BETA pilots during the demonstration phase.
• The programme will include flights from Hamilton before moving to Wellington for operations between Wellington and Blenheim over December and January.
• The ALIA CX300's quiet, zero-emission inflight propulsion and conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) configuration make it compatible with existing airport infrastructure.
• The demonstrator is supported by mobile 65kW chargers located at Hamilton, Wellington and Blenheim airports, funded through Air New Zealand's Climate and Nature Fund. These allow the aircraft to recharge in approximately 90 minutes, enabling daily operations across multiple routes.
• The aircraft will remain in New Zealand until early 2026 before returning to BETA Technologies.