Air carrier Air New Zealand today said it will soon put pen to paper an agreement with four aircraft manufacturers: Eviation, Beta, VoltAero, Cranfield Aerospace. The aim is to develop some zero-emission flight demonstrators. Specifically, various types of propulsion technologies will be used: electric, green hydrogen and hybrid. The first take-off is estimated to be done by 2026.

This partnership "paves the way for long-term agreements to supply an aircraft capable of replacing our domestic Q-300 turboprop fleet". "While zero-emission aircraft technology will help decarbonise the airline's domestic route network in the period up to 2050, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is of short-term importance to the long-haul fleet", said Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran .

According to reports, the first order provides for the initial purchase of three aircraft, with an option for an additional 20 aircraft. To meet its decarbonisation goals, the airline recently signed an agreement with Airbus to develop hydrogen aircraft, and one with the company Hiringa Energy for refuelling infrastructure.