Air New Zealand’s Electric Flight Initiative Prepares to Take Off

Air New Zealand recently announced plans to introduce all-electric cargo flights by 2026 using The Beta ALIA electric cargo aircraft, which weighs 3 tons, exceeds 39 feet and can reach speeds up to 168 mph. Test flights have shown it can cover nearly 300 miles on a single charge, with a charge time of 40–60 minutes. The aircraft will collaborate with New Zealand Post to shuttle mail.

In December 2023, Greg Foran, CEO, Air New Zealand, emphasized the critical role of sustainable aviation fuels and next-generation aircraft in cutting the airline’s emissions, and The Beta ALIA aircraft represents a vital advance in those efforts. The airline’s chief sustainability officer Kiri Hannifin said nearly all of the country’s airport have shown interest in securing routes using the aircraft.

Surf Air Mobility, Inc., a Los Angeles-based regional air mobility platform transforming regional flying through electrification, has also shown interest in launching all-electric aircraft. Its subsidiary is Southern Airways, the largest commuter airline in the United States based on scheduled departures. The company partnered with commercial leaders to develop new technology to upgrade the Cessna Grand Caravan with fully electric and hybrid-electric engines for passenger air travel. Surf Air Mobility has thus far signed a memorandum of understanding with Auric Air Services, Ltd., and collaborated with Brazil’s Azul.