Air New Zealand purchases its first ALIA electric aircraft

Air New Zealand has announced the ALIA as the airline's first purchase of an electric aircraft, making steps towards its Mission Next Gen Aircraft program.

Designed by electric aerospace company BETA Technologies, the battery-powered all-electric aircraft is expected to join Air New Zealand's fleet in 2026. Air New Zealand is purchasing the conventional take-off and landing version of the ALIA.

The announcement follows an 18-month period of evaluation and diligence by Air New Zealand. Through the airline's Mission Next Gen Aircraft program, it sought and received ideas and insights from 30 organizations, selecting four partners to work closely with on its goal of launching commercial flights using next generation aircraft in 2026. BETA's ALIA is the first commercial order in the program. 

Air New Zealand 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.