Overview
- The battery-electric ALIA CX300 lifted off from Tauranga on 17 October and repositioned to Hamilton for the first phase of testing.
- The aircraft is leased for four months, with a December move to Wellington for additional operations including Wellington–Blenheim flights.
- Air New Zealand plans to introduce ALIA pilots in November as pilots and engineers gather operational data under New Zealand conditions.
- Initial use cases focus on NZ Post cargo routes of about 150 km using a CTOL design compatible with existing airports and zero in‑flight emissions.
- Published range and charging figures differ across sources, so the trial will validate real‑world capability as the airline weighs its order of one firm aircraft plus options for two and rights for 20 more.