Air New Zealand and BETA Technologies have officially launched the airline’s Next Generation Aircraft technical demonstrator programme, marking a major milestone for electric aircraft innovation in New Zealand. The BETA ALIA CX300, the first electric aircraft to carry the Air New Zealand name, will fly a series of flights across the country over the next four months.
In Hamilton, the aircraft will begin an intensive proving programme before travelling south to Wellington via Taupō, Napier, and Palmerston North. Once in Wellington, it will prepare for Cook Strait crossings to Blenheim by the end of January. The aircraft’s arrival and initial flights follow months of preparation between Air New Zealand, US-based BETA Technologies, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and airport partners to safely operate and monitor the aircraft in New Zealand conditions.
The four-month demonstrator programme will see Air New Zealand pilots, Andrew Mercer and James Owen, work alongside BETA’s flight operations and engineering team to undertake flights in a range of conditions, flight manoeuvres and routes, building knowledge and training systems not only for New Zealand, but globally.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar says the programme represents another step in the airline’s long-term innovation and fleet strategy. “Sixty percent of regional flights in New Zealand are less than 350 kilometres, and around 85 percent of our electricity is renewable – the perfect laboratory for next generation aircraft. While new propulsion technologies are still developing, BETA is leading the way and we’re witnessing a true technology step-change. New Zealand is a country with a pioneering spirit and has always been a fantastic place to try new things. In bringing the ALIA CX300 to New Zealand, we’ve experienced true collaboration – a world-leading global innovator in BETA Technologies working with Kiwi engineers, pilots, regulators and airports – all focused on understanding how this emerging technology can be safely and practically integrated into the New Zealand airspace when it’s scalable and ready.”
Simon Newitt, BETA Technologies’ Head of Global Sales, says operating in New Zealand provides invaluable insights for the aircraft’s global deployment. “Launching this programme is an exciting moment for BETA, as it marks the early stages of operations with Air New Zealand. Our aircraft are designed to carry out all types of flight missions, and this programme represents the next step in validating and preparing our technology for rigorous, real-world environments. This collaboration between airline, regulator, and infrastructure partners sets an example for how the aviation industry can continue to progress and innovate while safely bringing lower-emission, lower-cost, next-generation aircraft into service.”
Tokyo taps Archer for eVTOL programme
Archer Aviation announced the Japan Airlines-led consortium, which features Archer’s Midnight Aircraft, was selected by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to participate in phase one of Tokyo’s “eVTOL Implementation Project.” Phase one of the project will assess the market and build the operating ecosystem, leading up to planned demonstration flights over Tokyo Bay and river routes, which represents critical steps towards ramping commercial operations in the coming years.
The selection recognises the strength of the existing strategic partnership Archer has developed with Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation through their joint venture eVTOL operating company, Soracle. Archer and Soracle previously announced a strategic alliance in November 2024 to jointly launch air taxi operations in Japan, with the goal of offering services in cities where existing ground transportation is constrained by traffic or geographic barriers.
Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and CEO, said: “We applaud the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s ‘eVTOL Implementation Program.’ The selection of our consortium to be a part of this innovative government approach gives Archer, together with JAL, Sumitomo Corporation and Soracle, a critical opportunity to help make the promise of urban mobility an everyday reality in Tokyo, the world’s largest city.”
Takao Suzuki, Executive Officer, Senior Vice President-Innovation of Japan Airlines, said: “Japan Airlines is honored to work with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and our consortium partners on the first phase of the eVTOL Implementation Project.”
In October, Archer announced an exclusive deal with Korean Air that includes the potential purchase of up to 100 Midnight aircraft.
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