Air New Zealand has officially begun flight testing its first electric aircraft, the BETA ALIA CX300, marking a major step toward a cleaner, low-emission aviation future. Reported by 1News
Developed by US-based BETA Technologies, the fully battery-powered aircraft seats two crew and carries up to 5.6 cubic metres of cargo, with a range of nearly 400 km.
It first took flight on October 17, journeying from Tauranga to Hamilton after a traditional sunrise blessing ceremony.
Over the next four months, the aircraft will conduct test flights across New Zealand, including stops in Taupō, Napier, Palmerston North, Wellington, and Blenheim, as part of Air New Zealand’s Next Generation Aircraft programme.
CEO Nikhil Ravishankar said New Zealand’s short regional routes and 85% renewable energy mix make it the ideal testing ground for sustainable aviation. “We’re witnessing a true technology step-change,” he noted.
The programme—run in collaboration with BETA Technologies, the Civil Aviation Authority, and airport partners—will gather critical data to support the integration of next-generation, zero-emission aircraft into global airspace.
CAA chief Kane Patena added that the initiative will help shape future aviation regulations to safely accommodate emerging flight technologies.
This marks the beginning of a new era for Air New Zealand — one powered by innovation, collaboration, and clean energy.