Air New Zealand signs up for electric freighter

Air New Zealand and aviation finance firm Avolon have signed a letter of intent for the sale and lease back of an electric cargo aircraft from manufacturer Beta as part of a wider programme to explore the use of electric and hydrogen aircraft. The deal includes a memorandum of understanding to partner on research to support the commercialisation of electric aircraft, and other novel propulsion technologies including battery hybrid and hydrogen as well as the purchase of a Beta Alia CX300 electric cargo aircraft. The conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) Alia CX300 is designed by US-based BETA Technologies and will carry up to 0.56 tonnes of cargo per flight. The aircraft is due for delivery in 2026 and will be used by Air New Zealand to carry cargo between Wellington and Blenheim through its partnership with New Zealand Post.<br/>