Air NZ could take delivery of its first zero emissions aircraft as early as 2025

Air New Zealand has outlined what it needs from zero emissions aircraft and is asking new generation aircraft companies to build and deliver one by as early as 2025. This month the national carrier issued a zero emissions aircraft “product requirements document (PRD)” which outlines specifications and requirements for new generation aircraft. The PRD says Air NZ aims to find long term partners in developing “novel propulsion” which encompasses emerging technology including hydrogen/battery electric, hydrogen combustion or hybrid. The focus of the PRD is on its domestic turboprop fleet which produces about 7 per cent of total emissions. One option the airline is exploring is retrofitting existing turboprop aircraft with novel propulsion technology. Air New Zealand currently operates 52 turboprops made up of 23 Q300 aircraft and 29 ATR72-600 aircraft. These are the likely candidates for replacement with novel propulsion technology. Air New Zealand had a goal of having a firm order placed on a one to nine seater zero emissions aircraft by 2023 and taking a delivery in 2025, the PRD said. “This option covers technology that is currently in development, likely at the ground testing phase, but moving quickly towards first flight in the next 24 months with commercial certification underway.” These aircraft could be used for freight, training and single lines of flying, it says. By 2026 to 2030 it aims to have “supplementary” zero emissions aircraft ranging from one to 50 plus seats.<br/>