Air New Zealand and Embraer have signed an agreement to collaborate on their respective next-generation sustainability initiatives. As part of their partnership, Air New Zealand will join Embraer’s Energia Advisory Group, while Embraer will become a long-term partner in the airline’s Mission Next Gen Aircraft initiative.
Together, the two companies will work together on the design requirements for next-generation sustainable aircraft.
Kiri Hannifin, Chief Sustainability Officer, Air New Zealand, believes the partnership will help meet Mission Next Gen Aircraft’s aims to accelerate the technology and infrastructure needed to decarbonise domestic flights.
“We want to be a leader in the rollout of zero emissions aircraft in New Zealand,” said Hannifin, “having Embraer as one of our long-term partners will grow our collective understanding of zero emissions aircraft technology as it develops and will give them the confidence they are developing a product that’s viable for us.”
The Energia Advisory Group consists of airlines, lessors, manufacturers and other aviation experts advising the Embraer Energia project as it develops sustainable aircraft for the future, whereas Air New Zealand’s Mission Next Gen Aircraft initiative is working to accelerate the development and introduction of zero emissions aircraft technology for regional fleets in New Zealand.
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation, looks forward to the potential of the collaboration: “Embraer is ideally positioned to bring disruptive technologies to smaller aircraft first. Air New Zealand, operator of a large, complex and diverse regional network, is the perfect collaborator, and we’re proud to be a part of this initiative.
“Smaller, regional aircraft are going to be the first platforms on which new fuel and propulsion systems can be introduced effectively. Embraer looks forward to contributing to Air New Zealand’s initiative and also adding their expertise and requirements into Embraer’s Energia project,” Meijer added.
