ATR Joins Air New Zealand's Mission Next Gen Aircraft Initiative

(08/02/23)  Air New Zealand and turboprop manufacturer ATR are deepening their existing partnership with the aim of accelerating the development and introduction of low emission aircraft technology in New Zealand.

In addition to numerous Boeing and Airbus aircraft, Air New Zealand currently has a fleet of 29 ATR 72-600 with an average age of 5.6 years, as well as 23 Q300 aircraft with an average age of 15.8 years.

Through an initiative called ‘Mission Next Gen Aircraft’, the airline is partnering with several industry and academic stakeholders to replace its Q300 domestic fleet with a more sustainable option from 2030.

Air New Zealand ATR 72-600

ATR has launched a feasibility study on its ATR ‘EVO’ concept, demonstrating its ambition to continue to drive the future of the regional market towards net-zero carbon emissions.

“Through our partnerships with Airbus and ATR we’ve 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, Air New Zealand's Chief Sustainability Officer. “Working with the world’s leading innovators is critical to addressing the climate crisis. These partners were selected because they are taking action now to progress decarbonising the aviation industry.”

ATR is also actively working on shorter-term solutions to enable ever more sustainable and affordable air connections to empower communities across the globe.

The first to fly a commercial aircraft with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel in both engines, in partnership with Braathens Regional Airlines and Pratt & Whitney Canada, ATR is aiming for 100% SAF certification of its aircraft by 2025.

“ATR fully shares Air New Zealand’s ambition to accelerate the transition towards net-zero carbon emissions,” said Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer. “Having worked together since 2018 to explore new propulsion technologies and their impact on operations and infrastructure, we are now taking this partnership to the next level. 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.”

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