AirNZ's new electric plane
Dec 5, 2023, 2:15 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 1,862
AirNZ's new electric plane
Not an April Fool's gag this is the Beta Alia, which AirNZ has selected as its first 'Mission Next Gen' aircraft. First commercial flight in 2026, albeit carrying cargo from NZ Post rather than passengers.
Expect to see some stories popping up later this morning, but for now, mine at https://www.executivetraveller.com/n...ttery-airplane
Expect to see some stories popping up later this morning, but for now, mine at https://www.executivetraveller.com/n...ttery-airplane
Dec 5, 2023, 3:10 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 410
Dec 6, 2023, 2:36 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,674
My takeaway was that it was to learn about electric aircraft operations, before getting bigger passenger ones. There is a lot to learn I would guess.
And would help with chicken and egg problem at airports. Need batteries banks, upgraded sub stations, potentially solar on roof. Plus all the cabling to each gate and stand line they do with the fuel pipes.
Will be interesting to see costs per km electricity vs jet A1
And would help with chicken and egg problem at airports. Need batteries banks, upgraded sub stations, potentially solar on roof. Plus all the cabling to each gate and stand line they do with the fuel pipes.
Will be interesting to see costs per km electricity vs jet A1
Dec 6, 2023, 9:09 am
#9
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Formerly Box 350, Boston Mass, Oh two one three four. Now near Beverly Hills 90210
Programs: Loyal Order of Water Buffalos
Posts: 3,972
Dec 6, 2023, 11:06 am
#11
Join Date: Nov 2018
Programs: Air New Zealand
Posts: 79
At 150km range and only from airport to airport this is slower and vastly more expensive than road transport. Use an electric road vehicle.
Dec 6, 2023, 11:13 am
#12
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,674
Dec 6, 2023, 11:32 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: WLG/BKK
Programs: TG*G, NZ*GE, QF G, Accor Gold
Posts: 10,278
It’s a trial / proof of concept. Very likely there were those that doubted the usefulness of the Wright brothers’ efforts back in the day.
Whether this is something AirNZ should be dabbling with just at the moment is a slightly different question.
Whether this is something AirNZ should be dabbling with just at the moment is a slightly different question.
Dec 6, 2023, 1:19 pm
#14
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,674
I think they do need to do at the moment as guessing is one of the early steps of the Q300 replacement program. The current situation is somewhat down to the delay start of the 777 replacement program. So may be they are trying not to have the same issues and making sure they start the program with enough lead time.
Dec 7, 2023, 8:54 am
#15
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Formerly Box 350, Boston Mass, Oh two one three four. Now near Beverly Hills 90210
Programs: Loyal Order of Water Buffalos
Posts: 3,972