Air New Zealand to Launch All-Electric Aircraft Flights from Wellington and Marlborough

Air New Zealand selects Wellington and Marlborough Airports for its pioneering all-electric aircraft flights with the Beta ALIA, commencing cargo-only operations in 2026.

Air New Zealand has announced a significant advancement in sustainable aviation, selecting Wellington and Marlborough Airports as the launch sites for its first all-electric aircraft, the Beta ALIA. This initiative marks a critical step in the airline's efforts to introduce lower-emission aircraft within New Zealand.

The introduction of the ALIA, purchased from Beta Technologies, represents a major shift towards sustainable aviation practices. Starting in 2026, Air New Zealand will commence cargo-only services in partnership with NZ Post, utilizing this next-generation electric aircraft.

Both Wellington and Marlborough Airports are set to play vital roles in this transition. Wellington Airport will serve as the home base for the aircraft, with Marlborough Airport providing the necessary charging infrastructure to support the return journeys.

Kiri Hannifin, Chief Sustainability Officer at Air New Zealand, highlighted the strategic importance of this project: "This commercial demonstrator will pave the way for introducing lower emissions aircraft to our domestic network from 2030. We are thankful for the robust support from both Wellington and Marlborough airports, which are instrumental in establishing the infrastructure required for next-generation aircraft operations."

Matt Clarke, CEO of Wellington Airport, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the commercial demonstrator: "This partnership with Air New Zealand is a monumental step forward in sustainable aviation. We are fully committed to supporting the decarbonization of aviation and are excited about the opportunities this project presents."

Dean Heiford, CEO of Marlborough Airport, also shared his perspective on the collaboration: "Participating in this trial of next-generation aviation technology is not only a testament to our commitment to sustainability but also crucial for maintaining regional connectivity across New Zealand during this transitional period. We are eager to share our insights and experiences with other regional airports to help drive widespread adoption of sustainable practices."

This initiative not only underscores Air New Zealand’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions but also sets a precedent for airports across New Zealand and the wider aviation industry to follow suit in embracing cleaner, greener technologies.