Alia demonstrator aircraft to precede Air New Zealand cargo service
December 12, 2024
Beta Technologies’ Alia aircraft is to arrive in New Zealand a year sooner than originally expected, with Air New Zealand to operate its initial battery-electric aircraft in a series of trials. Initially based out of Hamilton Airport, the proving flights will gradually expand to surrounding airports before making the journey to Wellington, where it will complete flights designed to replicate the cargo operation planned in 2026.
To support the test operation, 60kW mobile chargers – capable of recharging the Alia in around 90 minutes – will be based at Hamilton, Wellington and Blenheim airports. “The Tech Demonstrator and chargers will allow us to collect data and refine the operations so Air New Zealand can hit the ground running,” said Beta founder and CEO Kyle Clark.
This test period will prove instrumental in understanding “how the aircraft will perform in New Zealand, begin pilot and crew familiarisation, and allow ample time to share the technology with New Zealanders,” explained the airline. Some Air New Zealand pilots will learn how to operate the aircraft alongside Beta pilots, something that will also guide the airline’s work to develop the processes and policies required for the start of its commercial operations.
Air New Zealand has previously indicated that the aircraft will likely fly at an altitude of between 1,500m and 3,000m, with the three-tonne Alia capable of a speed of up to 270kms an hour. The airline has a firm order for one production aircraft with options for an additional two, and rights for a further 20.
The partnership between Air New Zealand and Beta was first announced in December 2023, with the airline selecting the conventional take-off and landing variant as the first aircraft for its ‘Mission Next Gen Aircraft’ programme. It was also announced that the upcoming commercial cargo service would be conducted in partnership with New Zealand Post.
“While this aircraft will add to, not replace our existing fleet, it is a catalyst for that change,” commented Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran. “By flying the Alia, we hope to advance our knowledge and the transformation needed in the aviation system in Aotearoa for us to fly larger, fleet replacing, next generation aircraft from 2030”.
