Air New Zealand completes first electric CX300 test flights in Tauranga and Hamilton

Air New Zealand has completed the first test flight of its fully electric BETA ALIA CX300 aircraft. The flight took place over Tauranga on October 17, marking a significant step in the airline’s efforts to explore electric aviation technology. The CX300, manufactured by Vermont-based BETA Technologies, is part of a four-month technical demonstrator program that will allow Air New Zealand to test the aircraft in local conditions and provide training for pilots and engineers.

The aircraft, registered as N401NZ, departed Tauranga Airport at 08:37 and spent 57 minutes flying above the city, Matakana Island, and the Bay of Plenty before returning at 09:34. During the flight, it reached speeds of up to 115 knots and an altitude of 4,025 feet. The CX300 can carry two crew members and up to 197 cubic feet of cargo. Its electric propulsion system enables net-zero emissions during operation.

Baden Smith, Air New Zealand’s general manager of fleet, networks, and strategy, commented on the milestone: “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. This is a small, cautious step to learn and be part of that change.”