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Air New Zealand has revealed a new initiative to support the development and introduction of zero-emissions aircraft into its fleet within the next five years.
The airline has published a Product Requirements Document (PRD) as a guide for traditional planemakers, as well as innovative start-ups alike to try their hand at creating a zero-emission aviation solution that aligns with Air New Zealand’s goals.
The initiative joins a number of others by the airline, including a partnership with the New Zealand government for the use of sustainable aviation fuel, and with Airbus on its zero-emissions aircraft development.
The airline aims to achieve its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The PRD provides an overview of the airline’s requirements for a new aircraft solution and hopes to kickstart discussion and ongoing collaboration with the potential aircraft developer.
Possible solutions could include hybrid electric aircraft, hydrogen propulsion, or full-electric solutions, among others.
Air New Zealand hopes to sign a letter of intent with a planemaker or developer as soon as the second quarter of 2022 and take deliveries of aircraft in 2025.
Air New Zealand’s head of fleet strategy Baden Smith said the airline is taking bold steps to ramp up genuine climate action and is looking for innovative organisations that can help on its zero-emissions aircraft journey.
“As we work towards our net zero 2050 goal, reducing aircraft emissions is critical,” Smith said.
“While our industry faces a steep challenge to decarbonise, New Zealand is uniquely placed to lead the world in zero-emissions aircraft and low carbon alternatives on our domestic air transport network.
“We believe New Zealand could be a world leader in zero or low emissions aircraft, whether that’s battery electric or green hydrogen powered. We’re seeking the best ideas and technology from innovators around the globe who might be prepared to work with us.”
Smith said that New Zealand as a nation is “ideally suited” to adopt zero-emissions aircraft, thanks to its range of short-range and regional routes.
This makes Air New Zealand the “perfect candidate” to test new lower-emission technologies.
“This Product Requirements Document allows us to share our vision for zero-emissions aircraft deployment and allows current and future aircraft developers to recognise both the opportunity here in New Zealand and Air New Zealand’s ambition to make this a reality as soon as possible,” he said.
hgdjh
says:A new, completely conventional, fossil fueled commercial aircraft that started development right now would not make it into service by 2025.
So what on earth is going through the heads of the people at ANZ that make them think they will have a zero emissions commercial aircraft ready by 2025?
Ray Klett
says:I hope Air New Zealand has away to fly without air planes. 2025 is so unrealistic it makes one laugh. It must indicate they will not be retiring aircraft from their fleet anytime soon. Since all current designs rely on specific thrust to meet requirements….
ray
says:Really ,
zero emission commercial aircraft by 2025 ,
is that a early april fools day joke or something,
???????????????
Steven
says:Read the article properly. Air NZ said it’s short to medium domestic network was the ideal place to trial a project like this. So they are no doubt looking a small aircraft like the Bombardier Q300 and ATR72. Add into the mix the numerous alternative fuel options mentioned, 2025 in this sense seems totally realistic.
Steve
says:The people pushing this silliness are being pushed into it by the airhead PM that have over there who is a card carrying Communist, and who has her eyes on a juicy UN post later, like Helen Clarke.
She must be seen to appease the cartel of elites for a seat at the table of the new world order.
I must assume they do know this notion of zero emissions is not possible, right?
Perhaps they are going to reintroduce Zeppelins with solar engines or something.
We will still be in full use of fossil derived energy a century from now, along with high efficiency fission and maybe even fusion, as well as renewables, but only as a small supplement.
Whatever the the long white cloud over there is made of, those people are high on it.