Aspeq Team Tours Air New Zealand’s Electric Plane

It was inspiring to hear firsthand about the technology, the vision, and what this means for the future of aviation.

Aspeq’s AME John Bushell shared his impressions:

“Quite some aircraft. Certainly pushes the boundaries for an aircraft of this size. All flight controls are actuated through the control column. For rudder control, you twist the column handle! ‘Rudder’ pedals are only to operate the brakes. The only fluid in the aircraft is for the brakes. Sort of B787 technology in an aircraft under 5,700 kg.”

A special thanks goes to Andrew Mercer – Air NZ Project Pilot and Flight Operations Manager for the Technical Demonstrator, as well as a valued Aspeq Aviation SME – for guiding the tour and sharing his expertise.

Air New Zealand had been running a four-month technical demonstration program using a BETA ALIA CX300 electric aircraft. The program, which started in late 2025, is helping prepare for future regional, low-emission flights. The ALIA CX300 is initially designed for cargo, with a ~400 km range, and passenger variants are in development as part of Air NZ’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The Aspeq team left the tour inspired by the innovation and forward-thinking vision of Air New Zealand and the broader potential of electric aviation in New Zealand’s skies.