Air New Zealand is handing back its battery-powered aircraft to its US owners after a test program in this country that included 100 f lights covering 13,000km.
NZ says the knowledge gained during the four months will continue to shape discussions with regulators, manufacturers and partners ‘as aviation technology evolves’.
The BETA Technology ALIA aircraft would be capable of carrying five to six passengers, if approved. However, a commercial demonstrator carrying cargo would be the next stage, within the next two years, but a spokeswoman says no further commitment has been made to date.
NZ says the program highlighted the operational efficiencies that emerging aircraft technologies could offer, including the Wellington-Blenheim route showing a significant difference between conventional fuel costs of approximately $110 in a Cessna Caravan and electrical energy use of $20 in the ALIA CX300.
The airline has faced criticism for resourcing the programme at a time when it is under commercial pressure and passing on high costs. However, it says the ALIA programme was part of a strategy of preparing for new technology coming in aviation.
“This program puts New Zealand in a strong position—informed by evidence, experience and people— to make smart choices about the future,” says the airline’s general manager strategy, networks and fleet, Baden Smith.
