Air New Zealand and BETA Technologies have launched the first electric aircraft flight in Tauranga, marking a significant step in the airline’s Next Generation Aircraft programme. The aircraft, manufactured by BETA Technologies in the United States, arrived in New Zealand last week and was blessed at a sunrise ceremony before its inaugural flight.
The electric plane is scheduled to fly to Hamilton Airport later today, where it will be based for further testing. In December, it will move to Wellington Airport for two months of additional operations.
Baden Smith, Air New Zealand’s General Manager – Fleet, Networks and Strategy, highlighted the importance of this event for both the airline and the country’s aviation sector. “New Zealand has a proud history of aviation innovation and pushing for progress, whether it’s Richard Pearse who first opened the skies with flying machines, to the era of TEAL flying boats, through to engineers and aviators who connected us to the world,” said Smith.
“It’s incredibly special to partner with a global innovator like BETA to ensure New Zealand is a part of shaping what the future of flight might look like both here and around the world. We know aviation will keep changing – it always has. This is a small, cautious step to learn and be part of that change,” he added.
Chris Caputo, Director of Flight Operations at BETA Technologies, commented on the collaboration: “This first flight marks the powerful intersection of pragmatic design and operational innovation.”
“We built the ALIA CX300 on a foundation of simplicity to ensure a fast, safe, and efficient path to commercial service. With this ‘Tech Demonstrator’ collaboration, Air New Zealand is not just validating a single aircraft – they are creating the rigorous operational blueprint that will serve as a model for operators around the world who are serious about unlocking low-cost, sustainable connectivity for their regional communities.”
Air New Zealand has leased the ALIA CX300 from BETA Technologies for four months as part of its technical demonstrator programme. This initiative allows Air New Zealand—together with partners and regulators—to evaluate how battery-electric propulsion performs under local conditions while providing pilot and engineering teams an opportunity for familiarisation. The public will also have opportunities to observe this technology firsthand during its time in Hamilton.
During its stay in Hamilton, teams from both companies plan flights under various weather conditions and altitudes. In December, after relocating to Wellington Airport, flights between Wellington and Blenheim are planned.
The ALIA CX300 features conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) capability compatible with existing airport infrastructure. Its battery-electric propulsion system produces no inflight emissions and operates quietly. The aircraft can carry two crew members along with up to 5.6 cubic metres (200 cubic feet) of cargo over distances up to approximately 398 kilometres (215 nautical miles). It is designed for reliable all-weather operation using current airport procedures.
In November—after arrival in Hamilton—Air New Zealand plans to introduce pilots trained specifically on operating this new model.
To support these operations sustainably across multiple airports—including Hamilton, Wellington, and Blenheim—the airline has invested through its Climate and Nature Fund in mobile charging facilities rated at 65kW each.
