Photo: Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand is partnering with four aircraft makers to develop zero-emission demonstrator flights by 2026, using electric, green hydrogen and hybrid technologies.
The airline said it would work with Eviation, Beta, VoltAero and Cranfield Aerospace.
It would sign a statement of intent to order, aiming to acquire three aircraft initially, with further options for 20, from one or more of the plane makers.
Air NZ chief executive Greg Foran said the planes were being eyed for short-haul domestic routes to eventually replace the current Q300 turbo prop fleet.
"Our goal is to confirm our commitment with one or more of these partners in the next 12 months with the ambition of purchasing an aircraft for delivery from 2026.
"Getting a zero emissions aircraft off the ground by 2026 is going to be challenging. But we're incredibly ambitious - because we need to be."
He said Air NZ would also work with refuelling infrastructure company Hiringa Energy to develop the infrastructure needed to fly a green-hydrogen aircraft.
Last year, Air NZ joined plane manufacturer Airbus to research the impact hydrogen planes would have on Air NZ's network, operations and infrastructure.
The global aviation industry was developing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as part of the move to be carbon free by 2050.
"While zero emissions aircraft technology will help decarbonise the airline's domestic network over the period to 2050, SAF is important in the near term for the long-haul fleet," Foran said.