The electric aircraft with the Air New Zealand logo has successfully completed its first flight, marking an important step towards sustainable operations for the airline. The Beta Technologies Alia electric Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL) aircraft soared over New Zealand, starting a detailed technical demonstration program.
Air New Zealand has teamed up with the American aviation innovator Beta Technologies to evaluate the Alia CX300. The airline has a four-month lease to assess how the aircraft performs in various local environments in Aotearoa. This initiative also helps pilots and engineering teams get to know battery-electric propulsion technology. New Zealanders will have the chance to see the progress in zero-emission aviation up close.
A Historic Step in Aviation Strategy
This first flight is a key milestone in Air New Zealand’s Next Generation Aircraft program. Mr. Baden Smith, the airline’s General Manager for Fleet, Networks, and Strategy, pointed out the historical importance of this project. He noted New Zealand’s rich history in aviation, from Richard Pearse’s pioneering work to the days of TEAL flying boats. He described the partnership with Beta as vital for New Zealand to help shape the future of global flight. Mr. Smith explained that the arrangement is a careful step to integrate the airline into the ongoing changes in air travel.
Performance and Design Credentials
The Alia CTOL variant, specifically the CX300 model, is designed for existing airport infrastructure because of its conventional take-off configuration. Its use is expected to show the benefits of battery-electric propulsion, like quiet operation and zero tailpipe emissions. The aircraft can hold five passengers and a pilot, or two pilots for training, and offers 5.6 cubic meters of cargo space.
The propulsion system uses a strong H500A electric motor that provides a maximum output of 427 kilowatts (kW). It offers up to 394 kW for takeoff, with a continuous rating of 300 kW. This motor drives a single 5-blade propeller, allowing a top speed of 153 knots. Its demonstrated range reaches 336 nautical miles, though the range drops to about 215 nautical miles when fully loaded.
Powering the aircraft is Beta’s own battery system. It features liquid cooling for faster recharge times and includes several safety mechanisms that meet strict avionics hardware standards. The batteries store 45 kWh of energy and can produce over 400 kW at peak power, with a continuous output of 115 kW.
One impressive feature of the Alia CTOL is its high operational efficiency. An analysis indicates that the Alia operates at just $18 per hour, significantly lower than the Cessna 208, which costs $347 per hour in energy. This leads to major savings and important environmental benefits, as the Alia CTOL has a 75 percent reduction in emissions compared to the Cessna 208.
Additionally, Beta Technologies offers a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) version of the Alia, which includes four extra V600A electric lift motors to power its four 2-blade lift propellers. The flight demonstration program will have the Alia CX300 complete many flights at different altitudes and weather conditions. After its blessing ceremony in Tauranga and operations from Hamilton Airport, the aircraft will move to Wellington Airport in December for a two-month period. During this time, it will complete key flight segments between Wellington and Blenheim, crossing the route between the North and South Islands. At Hamilton, Wellington, and Blenheim airfields, 65-kilowatt mobile charging units will provide support for the aircraft’s charging.
