Avolon and Air New Zealand Partner to Explore Electric and Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft
Key Ideas
  • Avolon and Air New Zealand signed an MoU to research electric, battery hybrid, and hydrogen-powered aircraft for commercialization.
  • The partnership includes the sale and leaseback of the BETA Alia CX300 electric cargo aircraft ordered by Air New Zealand.
  • The collaboration aims to support the decarbonization of the aviation industry and the development of clean technology aircraft.
  • Air New Zealand plans to use the BETA Alia CX300 as a technology demonstrator for electric cargo services in partnership with New Zealand Post.
Avolon, a Dublin-based aircraft leasing specialist, and Air New Zealand have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the commercialization of electric, battery hybrid, and hydrogen-powered aircraft. The agreement also involves the sale and leaseback of the BETA Alia CX300 electric cargo aircraft, which Air New Zealand ordered as a technology demonstrator for electric cargo services between Wellington and Blenheim. The collaboration between Avolon and Air New Zealand signifies a joint commitment to leading the decarbonization efforts in the aviation industry and advancing clean technology aircraft. Avolon's CEO, Andy Cronin, highlighted the lessors' crucial role in supporting the commercialization of clean tech aircraft to help achieve the aviation sector's net-zero ambitions. Air New Zealand's CFO, Richard Thomson, emphasized the importance of collaboration across various sectors in introducing new aviation technologies, noting the significance of partnerships like the one with Avolon. The partnership is a step forward in Air New Zealand's Next Generation Aircraft program and will provide valuable insights into future financing models for clean tech aircraft. This collaboration underscores Avolon's dedication to providing modern economic aircraft to airlines worldwide and supporting innovation in the aviation industry.
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