Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Marlborough to host first all-electric flights
Air New Zealand’s announcement that it has selected Marlborough and Wellington airports for its first all-electric aircraft flights continues our region’s proud aviation tradition, says Mayor Nadine Taylor.
Wellington-Marlborough will be the route for commercial demonstrator flights of the all-electric ALIA CTOL from Beta
Technologies, which Air New Zealand bought last year.
The cargo-only flights - in partnership with NZ Post - are set to begin in 2026. Wellington Airport will be the home base of the next-generation aircraft while Marlborough Airport will also establish charging infrastructure to power the aircraft for the return journey.
“It’s just over 100 years since Euan Dickson, one of the most successful Allied bomber pilots of WW1, made the inaugural flight across the Cook Strait, carrying the country’s first official airmail on his return journey. It is fitting then that Marlborough continues its proud tradition of aviation firsts with this new all-electric technology,” Mayor Taylor said. “Our region is home to some of New Zealand’s most innovative and pioneering sectors wine, viticulture, aquaculture and of course aviation. Marlborough Airport is owned by the ratepayers of Marlborough through Council, and we have worked closely with Air New Zealand for many years. We look forward to that partnership continuing, and are excited to be part of this new all-electric venture.”
Air New Zealand’s Chief Sustainability
Officer Kiri Hannifin said the purpose of the commercial demonstrator is to set the New
Zealand aviation system up for introducing lower emissions aircraft.
“We are incredibly grateful to both Wellington and Marlborough airports for being so willing to take on a leadership role in supporting Air New Zealand to establish next generation aircraft capability in our business.”
“Their involvement is critical in supporting the infrastructure required to fly next-generation aircraft, and they’ll help lead the way in supporting airports across Aotearoa to make the changes needed for us to fly larger lower-emissions aircraft on our domestic network from 2030.”