Electric plane: New Zealand company wants zero-carbon regional flights

Last Tuesday (13), Israeli manufacturer Eviation Aircraft has announced that Air New Zealand is interested in a partnership that includes electric aircraft. alice The aircraft was first announced to the public in 2019, but the first tests of the model, which promised not to emit carbon, were not carried out until 2022.

Considered the flagship of New Zealand, Air New Zealand is looking to purchase up to 23 aircraft to launch its NextGen Aircraft program. The mission’s goal is to reduce the carbon footprint in the atmosphere. zero emission aircraft

The Alice aircraft is capable of carrying up to nine people, can travel up to 463 kilometers per battery charge, and travels at speeds of up to 481 kilometers per hour. The model is considered the first all-electric aircraft tested and proven to work in flight.

“Regional flights are an important part of Air New Zealand routes. Gregory Davis, President and CEO of Eviation Aircraft, Alice offers an effective way to decarbonize such travel by revolutionizing air travel and supporting the goals of the Mission NextGen Aircraft program.

Air New Zealand and Alice

The main goal of Air New Zealand’s new program is to transition from its entire conventional domestic fleet to aircraft powered by green hydrogen and hybrid battery systems. The company even signed a letter of intent to guarantee 23 Alice aircraft. The program was announced in November, when the company announced it was expected to perform its first zero-carbon flight in 2026.

Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran says Alice is a natural fit for the NextGen Aircraft program, even better as Eviation has proven that the aircraft is optimized for short-haul flights.