Air New Zealand Leases Beta Electric Aircraft Ahead of Planned 2026 Launch

Last year, the New Zealand flag carrier purchased an electric Alia CTOL (conventional takeoff and landing) aircraft from Vermont-based manufacturer Beta Technologies, reserving the option for two additional aircraft and the rights for a further 20.

On Wednesday, Beta said the airline added an Alia CTOL demonstrator and charging systems to its order The pre-certified demonstrator, on lease for six months starting early next year, will allow Air New Zealand to showcase all-electric flight to the public and give pilots hands-on training before rolling Alia out on commercial routes.

“The technology behind this aircraft is incredible, and we’re very proud to be able to bring it to [New Zealand] a little earlier to show the country what the future of domestic air travel will look like,” said Kiri Hannifin, chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer for Air New Zealand, in a statement shared with FLYING. “A number of our Air New Zealand pilots will have the opportunity to learn to operate the aircraft alongside BETA pilots.”

Designed for a pilot to fly as many as five passengers, the Alia CTOL cruises at 135 knots and has travelled as far as 336 nm on a single charge during flight testing. Air New Zealand is looking to fly it on shorter routes—around 80 nm—at an altitude between 1,500 and 3,000 meters, with an anticipated 40 to 60 minutes of charge time between trips.

Initially, pilots will fly a cargo-only route between Wellington Airport (NZWN) in the nation’s capital, intended as the aircraft’s home base, and Marlborough Airport (NZWB) in partnership with New Zealand Post, the country’s national mail delivery service. Beta charging systems, including the stationary and mobile chargers Air New Zealand ordered this week, will be installed at both locations, one each on the country’s two main islands.

“We’re so thrilled to be moving into the next generation of aviation,” said Hannifin. “This future is one where we can fulfil our purpose to connect New Zealanders but with much lower emissions—something we are deeply committed to expediting as quickly as we can to help meet our 2050 net zero carbon emissions target.”

For six months in 2025, Air New Zealand pilots will be able to fly in the Alia CTOL cockpit alongside Beta pilots. Airline personnel will familiarize themselves with the aircraft’s operations, maintenance, ground support, route planning, and more.

“This not only allows them to gain experience on a completely new type of aircraft, but it will also guide the airline’s work to develop the processes and policies required to operate the aircraft commercially in 2026,” said Hannifin.

In addition to flight training and evaluation of commercial service routes, the early access will enable Air New Zealand to introduce electric aircraft to the public.

The airline has big plans for battery-powered and other designs under its Mission Next Gen Aircraft program, which is also eyeing Eviation’s all-electric Alice, VoltAero’s hybrid-electric Cassio, and Cranfield Aerospace’s hydrogen-powered concept as candidates for its fleet. Introducing the aircraft a year before it will fly commercially could help get residents—and government officials—on board.

“We have been very impressed with the practical, operations-focused approach Air New Zealand has taken from the very beginning of this process,” said Kyle Clark, founder and CEO of Beta. “They have leaned all the way in, working with us step by step to set solid foundations across every part of the ecosystem to ensure successful entry into service.”

Beta is pursuing type certification under Part 23 for the Alia CTOL with the FAA by next year. The manufacturer last month received a special airworthiness certificate from the regulator, allowing it to complete the first test flight of a production-ready model.

The ongoing test campaign will help Beta collect data ahead of for-credit flights with the FAA, after which the agency can authorize Alia for commercial operations. Using the bilateral agreement between the FAA and New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority, Beta could swiftly gain acceptance of its U.S. approvals across the Pacific.

Like this story? We think you'll also like the Future of FLYING newsletter sent every Thursday afternoon. Sign up now.