Air New Zealand this week announced four new long-term partnership agreements with ATR, Embraer, Heart Aerospace and Universal Hydrogen. They aim to advance the implementation of low-emission solutions for the carrier’s regional operations.
The partnerships are part of the Mission NextGen Aircraft programme, which the airline launched in 2022. Last December, Air New Zealand announced partnerships with Eviation, VoltAero, Beta and Cranfield Aerospace. At that time, the parties announced that they would move forward with the development of zero-emission alternatives, with the aim of realising demonstration flights powered by electric, green hydrogen and hybrid technologies from 2026.
Under the new agreements, the New Zealand airline will advance the process of replacing its DHC Dash 8-300s with more fuel-efficient options during this decade and especially from 2030.
Deepening the relationship with ATR
Air New Zealand will strengthen its relationship with ATR, the world’s largest regional aircraft manufacturer. According to the Franco-Italian company in a press release, the two will work on exploring «disruptive innovations, the result of which will be decisive to shape the future of regional aviation».
«Through our partnerships with Airbus and ATR, we have been able to deepen our understanding of the impact green hydrogen and battery hybrid aircraft may have on our network, operations and infrastructure, as well as the opportunities and challenges of flying low and zero emissions aircraft in New Zealand», said Kiri Hannifin, the airline’s Chief Sustainability Officer.
«With Mission NextGen Aircraft’ we will be supporting Air New Zealand in every step of this challenging adventure in investigating disruptive innovations to turn our commitments into tangible reality», said Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, CEO of ATR.
Air New Zealand joins Embraer’s Energia Advisory Group
Following the conclusion of an agreement, Air New Zealand will join Embraer’s Energia Advisory Group. In doing so, it will join a range of airlines, lessors, manufacturers and other industry players currently advising the Brazilian manufacturer on the development of sustainable alternatives.
The project aims to explore alternative concepts for sustainable aircraft with up to fifty seats. To this end, it considers different energy sources, propulsion equipment and airframe architectures.
Embraer will also work with Air New Zealand on its Mission Next Gen Aircraft programme to accelerate the introduction of low-emission regional aircraft into the New Zealand market.
«Smaller, regional aircraft are going to be the first platforms on which new fuel and propulsion systems can be introduced effectively», said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. «As the global leader in regional aircraft, Embraer is ideally positioned to bring disruptive technologies to smaller aircraft first», he added.
Heart Aerospace, another long-term partner
Swedish electric aircraft development company Heart Aerospace will also become a long-term partner of Air New Zealand.
The company is currently working on its ES-30 model, a regional electric aircraft that can seat up to thirty passengers and is powered by battery-derived electric engines. The developer plans to deliver the first airplane in 2028.
«We firmly believe that the collaborative approach is the only way to ensure we have a sustainable future for aviation», said Simon Newitt, CFO ar Heart Aerospace. «Together we will be able to bring an affordable, accessible and responsible product to the flying public of New Zealand», he remarked.
Agreement with Universal Hydrogen
Finally, Air New Zealand also finalised a partnership agreement with Universal Hydrogen, a company currently working on solutions to convert existing regional aircraft to incorporate hydrogen propulsion mechanisms. The company has developed a modular fuelling system, which eliminates the need for new airport infrastructure.
Once rigorous testing and certification is completed, the conversion kits could be installed on part of Air New Zealand’s regional fleet.
«We are thrilled to be selected alongside Air New Zealand’s other long-term partners to quickly address aviation’s contributions to the climate crisis», said Paul Eremenko, co-founder and CEO of Universal Hydrogen.
