NZAAS orders two ALIA eVTOLs
New Zealand Air Ambulance Service (NZAAS) has placed an order for two new electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft with aerospace firm BETA Technologies
The two eVTOLs will be used by NZAAS to conduct air ambulance and patient transport operations across New Zealand from 2028.
The air ambulance operator currently operates a range of aircraft from its six bases – including light jets and King Air turboprops.
It is hoped that the new ALIA eVTOLs will offer a low-cost, reliable, and quiet alternative to traditional aircraft types.
NZAAS is BETA’s second New Zealand-based customer, following a multi-phase order from airline Air New Zealand.
Annabel Toogood, Group CEO of NZAAS’s parent company Skyline Healthcare said the eVTOLs would “complement our existing fleet of fixed-wing and jet aircraft,” and would allow them to “offer patient transfers at nearly half the cost of traditional rescue helicopters.”
She added: “By integrating eVTOL technology, we aim to bridge the gap for rural and vulnerable communities, providing seamless access to essential care. Our team looks forward to working closely with BETA’s team, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and our major customers to set this new benchmark for sustainable healthcare in New Zealand.”
The New Zealand government recently awarded a contract to NHIndustries for upgrades to its NH90 helicopter fleet.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.