Air New Zealand has chosen ‘the ALIA’ as the airline’s first commercial purchase of battery-powered all-electric aircraft as part of its Mission Next Gen Aircraft programme. 

Air New Zealand will buy the conventional take-off and landing version of the ALIA, designed by electric aerospace company BETA Technologies, which is expected to join its fleet in 2026.  

The carrier will initially operate the aircraft as a cargo-only service in partnership with New Zealand Post, on a route being selected through an expressions of interest (EOI) process with airports across Aotearoa. 

Air New Zealand said it took 18 months to evaluate and apply due diligence with its prospects for lower-emissions aircraft, and Beta’s technology was chosen amongst three other prototypes. 

The ALIA, which weighs three tonnes and can fly at speeds of up to 270 kph, is planned to be deployed on route distances of around 150 kilometres. Given the rigorous safety and risk management culture in culture, the aircraft will only be brought into service once it has passed testing and is certified as safe to fly by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority.