Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Air New Zealand Tests BETA ALIA CX300
Air New Zealand completed a maiden test flight of the BETA ALIA CX300 on October 17, 2025, marking a clear step toward electric regional service.
Air New Zealand (IATA: NZ, ICAO: ANZ) flew the BETA ALIA CX300 — an all‑electric short‑haul aircraft developed by US‑based BETA Technologies — in New Zealand on October 17, 2025. The flight is part of the airline’s wider programme to decarbonise its regional fleet and supports its net‑zero by 2050 target.
The CX300 is designed primarily for short regional routes and can be configured to carry up to five passengers or cargo. Air New Zealand has said it expects the type to enter commercial service by 2026, using the aircraft on select short sectors where battery‑electric operations are practical.
BETA ALIA CX300: what the test flight means
The successful test demonstrates the maturity of small electric airframes for airline operations, and gives Air New Zealand real‑world data on charging, ground handling and integration with existing operations. BETA Technologies, the US developer, supplied the aircraft and technical support for the trial.
- BETA ALIA CX300 — maiden test flight on October 17, 2025; up to five passengers or cargo; targeted regional entry in 2026.
- Operator: Air New Zealand (NZ / ANZ); developer: BETA Technologies (United States).
- Strategic aim: decarbonise regional network and progress toward net‑zero by 2050.
Airlines and regulators will watch how quickly charging infrastructure, turnaround processes and crew training adapt to electric operations. For Air New Zealand, trials like this feed into fleet planning and route selection for short sectors that could benefit from near‑zero operational emissions.
While the CX300 won’t replace larger jet or turboprop fleets, it represents a practical step for niche regional links and special missions where short‑range electric performance and low operating emissions are priorities.
