Air New Zealand took a step in its sustainability initiatives with its "Mission Next Generation Aircraft" – an accelerator programme which aims to fly a first commercial demonstrator flight in 2026.

The program is also seeking to begin replacing its Q300 domestic fleet with a more sustainable aircraft – likely green hydrogen or battery hybrid systems – from 2030.

 Source: Air New Zealand

World leader in sustainability

Greg Foran, Air New Zealand's chief executive officer, said Air New Zealand aims to lead the world in introducing a more sustainable fleet.

"We have bold sustainability goals. Conventional business processes are not going to address the technology or infrastructure required to meet them. We want to lead the rollout of zero-emission aircraft and will work alongside aircraft developers, innovators and infrastructure providers to give them the confidence they’re developing a product that’s a viable option for us," Foran said.

He added that the next three years will be focused on supporting the building, testing and certifying of aircraft and associated infrastructure.

"By 2026, we're aiming to have our first zero emissions aircraft – either cargo or passenger – take flight in New Zealand."

"The learnings we will take from flying an aircraft with next-generation propulsion technology from 2026 will pave the way for our long-term green hydrogen and hybrid partners to deliver an aircraft that can replace our Q300 domestic fleet."

The Air New Zealand chief added that it's not just the aircraft that needs to be developed, but also the infrastructure and regulations required to fly commercially.

"We know these goals are ambitious, but ambition is exactly what is required to make this new technology a reality," he added.

The PRD process highlighted how New Zealand, and Air New Zealand, are ideally suited to lead the development of zero-emissions aircraft deployment and the establishment of supporting infrastructure.

"We mainly operate short-range routes up and down the country, and New Zealand is largely built on renewable electricity generation – it's an ideal landscape to adopt zero-emission aircraft," PRD said.

"But we can't do it alone. It will take the minds of many within the industry to find the right solution. The technology is getting there, it just needs to be developed to a scale we can roll out across our network. It’s a wicked problem to solve but we’re two feet in," it added.

While zero-emissions aircraft technology will decarbonise the airline's domestic network over the period to 2050, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is important in the near term.

SAF is a 'drop in' fuel which can power current aircraft, so it can reduce emissions for long-haul travel and domestic flights while the airline continues to operate conventional aircraft.