Air New Zealand said it wanted to be the first airline to use an electric aircraft and announced plans to launch an all-electric aircraft by 2026.
Air New Zealand said it had ordered an all-electric aircraft of the ALIA type from US aviation manufacturer Beta Technologies. The aircraft, which is expected to join Air New Zealand's fleet, will initially offer cargo-only services, working with New Zealand Post to deliver parcels and letters on domestic routes.
"Our goal is to be the first airline to adopt electric aircraft for commercial use," said Hannifen, the company's chief sustainability officer. But she also said it was uncertain when passenger flights would be offered using electric aircraft.
An Air New Zealand statement said the Aforementioned ALIA-type electric aircraft can be fully charged in about an hour and take off and land like a conventional aircraft.
The Allia electric aircraft is about 12 meters long, weighs three metric tons, and has a distance of 480 kilometers for its first test flight. It has a top speed of 270 kilometers per hour and can fly at an altitude of 3000 meters. After being certified as a safe flight, the aircraft will initially be used for a flight distance of about 150 kilometers.
Air New Zealand president Greg Foran said the purchase of electric aircraft demonstrated the company's commitment to using low-emission aircraft in New Zealand.