Huge response to Christchurch e-aircraft display

More than 6000 people visited Christchurch’s main public library Tūranga during its Take Charge Christchurch battery electric aircraft event on April 17 and 18.

That’s more than 2133 (54%) visitors above the previous weekend, with keen interest shown in the event featuring Wisk’s self-flying air taxi and ElectricAir’s Pipistrel aircraft.

Two public presentations on Saturday April 17 had people learn from Wisk NZ and Christchurch-based ElectricAir about how their zero exhaust emission technology will change the way we travel.

Those who attended the presentations could also go into the draw for a free flight in ElectricAir’s aircraft.

On Sunday April 18 Wisk’s air taxi remained on display.

Transportation is a key area Christchurch will focus on to meet its target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2030, council resource efficiency manager Kevin Crutchley says.

 Electrifying transportation for zero exhaust emission travel is one key area to encourage, he adds.

On-road petrol and diesel transportation produced 36% of Christchurch’s total gross greenhouse gas emissions and aviation produced 11.6% in the 2018-2019 financial year.  

The city’s on-road petrol and diesel transportation greenhouse gas emissions increased 2.3% between 2016-2017 and 2018-2019 while Christchurch’s aviation greenhouse gas emissions increased 4.3% during the same period.