Air New Zealand wraps up next-gen demonstrator programme

By Andrew Curran.

Air New Zealand says it completed over 100 flights during its four month Next Generation Aircraft Technical Demonstrator Programme undertaken in conjunction with BETA Technologies.

The battery-electric BETA ALIA CX300 aircraft arrived in New Zealand in mid-October to operate a series of flights in various conditions to collect operational and environmental performance data while transporting mail for New Zealand Post.

The cargo-configured CX300 aircraft accommodates two crew and up to 5.6 cubic metres of freight on sectors up to 400 kilometres. The aircraft can also be configured for passenger flights. Crucially, the aircraft’s conventional take-off and landing configuration make it compatible with existing airport infrastructure.

ALIA CX300 flew over 13,000 kilometres for Air New Zealand

Initially based at Hamilton Airport (HLZ) then moving to Wellington (WLG) to undertake a series of flights between Wellington and Blenheim (BHE), Air New Zealand said the CX300 flew 13,000 kilometres over the course of its 100 plus flights, visiting 12 airports or aerodromes across the North and South Islands.

"This programme was about learning by doing," says said Baden Smith, Air New Zealand’s general manager strategy, networks, and fleet. "Flying the aircraft in real conditions, across real routes, with our people and partners involved has given us a much deeper understanding of what next-generation aircraft could mean for New Zealand aviation.”

"We worked through everything from pilot training and flight planning to energy use, airport interfaces and airspace integration,” he continued. “Those learnings will directly inform how we think about the future of our fleet, our network, and scaling this type of technology."

An important milestone was New Zealand's first low-emissions instrument flight rules (IFR) operation in December. IFR flying allows pilots to operate using cockpit instruments rather than visual cues, which is critical in low-visibility or cloudy conditions.

The demonstrator programme also highlighted some of the operational efficiencies the new aircraft technologies could offer. On the Wellington – Blenheim route, which involves a short hop across the Cook Strait, there was a big cost difference between using conventional fuel and electrical energy use.

“This programme showed what's possible when electric aircraft are flown in real airline environments,” said BETA Technologies' Head of Sales and Support, Simon Newitt.

“Flying more than 100 flights across both islands, including Cook Strait crossings and New Zealand's first low-emissions IFR operations, gave our teams and Air New Zealand invaluable insight into how electric aircraft integrate with existing airspace, airports, and everyday airline workflows," he said.

Air New Zealand continues net-zero emissions quest

With the lease period now ended, Air New Zealand has handed the CX300 back to BETA Technologies. The kiwi carrier has already ordered three of the aircraft, with options for another 20. Knowing not all plans will successfully transition from the drawing board to airport aprons, Air New Zealand has signed multiple letters of intent and memorandums of understanding with emerging next-generation aircraft manufacturers.

The airline says new-generation alternative energy aircraft are a key part of its quest to achieve net-zero emissions and improve operational efficiencies over the next couple of decades.

Air New Zealand adds that the knowledge gained from the CX300 demonstrator programme “will continue to shape discussions with regulators, manufacturers and partners as aviation technology evolves.”

Photo: BETA Technologies

Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com