Air New Zealand completes first electric aircraft test flight in Tauranga

Friday 17 October 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Fri 17 Oct 2025, 3:00pm

In this story Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand's first electric aircraft, the BETA ALIA CX300, has completed its maiden test flight from Tauranga Airport. The US-made aircraft arrived in New Zealand last week and is being used as a four-month technical demonstrator.

How they headlined it

12:26pm3pm

1. NZ HeraldFri 17 Oct 2025, 12:26pm

   Air NZ’s first electric aircraft takes off from Tauranga ahead of inter-island summer trips (opens in new tab)

2. StuffFri 17 Oct 2025, 3:00pm

   Watch: This flight is a big milestone for Air New Zealand (opens in new tab)