Is the future of aviation here?
Air New Zealand have been testing a new electric aircraft in Hamilton as part of a national trial. The BETA ALIA CX300, the first electric aircraft to carry the Air New Zealand name, will undertake flights around the country over the next three months.
During its time in Hamilton, Air New Zealand and Beta Technologies teams have been conducting a programme of flights in a variety of conditions and altitudes. In December, the aircraft will move to Wellington, where it will operate flights between Wellington and Blenheim.
The airline has invested in the required charging facilities to support the operation through its Climate and Nature Fund. 60kW mobile chargers will be based at Hamilton, Wellington and Blenheim airports and will recharge the aircraft in around 90 minutes.
The battery-electric aircraft, manufactured by U.S.-based Beta Technologies, can seat two crew and carry up to 5.6 cubic metres of cargo, with a mission range of approximately 398 kilometres.
“Sixty per cent of regional flights in New Zealand are less than 350km, and around 85% of our electricity is renewable, the perfect laboratory for next-generation aircraft. While new propulsion technologies are still developing, BETA is leading the way, and we’re witnessing a true technology step-change,” said Air NZ chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar.
The Alia CX300 features a squarish cabin with dual booms and a large elevator and rudder configuration, showcasing its primary purpose as a cargo hauler. The 50-foot wingspan and rear pusher-propeller design also allow for potential future use as a passenger aircraft, with four cabin seats planned in addition to the two up front.
Powered by a Beta H500A electric motor delivering the equivalent of over 500 horsepower, the aircraft cruises at 105 knots and has a demonstrated range of around 336 nautical miles. Typical missions flown so far include flights lasting around one hour, plus or minus 15–30 minutes.
The trial of the ALIA CX300 plans to showcase the future and sustainability of aviation and demonstrate cargo flights in partnership with New Zealand Post.
