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Air New Zealand and BETA Technologies start electric aircraft test flights
October 20th 2025
Air New Zealand (Air NZ) has started testing flights with battery-powered electric aircraft in partnership with BETA Technologies. Read More » The ALIA CX300 took off from Tauranga Airport on October 19 and was in the air for 57 minutes before returning to the airport, according to flight tracking websites. Later the same day, the aircraft, registration N401NZ, flew to Hamilton where it will be based until December. The ALIA CX300, which can carry two crew members and up to 5.6 cubic metres of cargo on flights up to 215nm, was then expected to fly out of Wellington. Air NZ has leased the aircraft for four months for the technical demonstrator program. It aims to provide the airline, its partners and local regulators insights to understand the aircraft’s performance in New Zealand conditions. The Star Alliance member also is using the ALIA CX300 to familiarize its pilots and engineering crews with battery-electric aircraft. "It’s incredibly special to partner with a global innovator like BETA to ensure New Zealand is a part of shaping how the future of flight might look like both here and around the world," Air NZ general manager of fleet, networks and strategy, Baden Smith, said. "We know aviation will keep changing. It always has. This is a small, cautious step to learn and be part of that change." BETA Technologies Director of Flight Operations, Chris Caputo, said: "With this 'Tech Demonstrator' collaboration, Air NZ 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."
