Air New Zealand looks to trial flights on its electric Alia aircraft with passengers in the future but is uncertain if these will be on the current demo model.
On top of the committed corporate capital, the fund has raised nearly $500,000 from United customers through contributions made during the booking process.
United is planning to operate nearly 40% more flights from the U.S. to Australia and New Zealand during the 2023-24 northern hemisphere winter versus last year.
As well as consolidating flights, Air New Zealand will pause two international connections from April: service from Auckland to Seoul and to Hobart, Australia.
Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran says the airline is working to determine which of four shortlisted companies it will choose for an electric aircraft purchase.