Air New Zealand has today announced that it has selected Wellington and Marlborough Airports as the ports for its first all-electric aircraft.
“Air New Zealand announced the purchase of its first next-generation aircraft, the all-electric ALIA CTOL from Beta Technologies, late last year” according to the press release. “The airline will initially operate a cargo-only service in partnership with NZ Post.
“Wellington Airport will be the home base of Air New Zealand’s first next-generation aircraft, while Marlborough Airport will also establish charging infrastructure to power the aircraft for the return journey.”
Air New Zealand’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Kiri Hannifin says the purpose of the commercial demonstrator is to set the New Zealand aviation system up for introducing lower emissions aircraft.
Wellington Airport Chief Executive Officer Matt Clarke says hosting the commercial demonstrator is a real coup for the airport, which shares Air New Zealand’s ambition to accelerate the pace of change needed to decarbonise aviation.
Marlborough Airport Chief Executive Officer Dean Heiford says they are proud to partner with Wellington Airport and Air New Zealand to trial the next generation of aviation technology. “Hosting the demonstrator with Wellington will further cement Marlborough as an important hub to keep New Zealand connected across the Cook Strait.”
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(Image: Air New Zealand)