Surf Air Mobility Inc. and BETA Technologies, an electric aerospace company, today announced an Aircraft Purchase Agreement and strategic partnership intended to accelerate the introduction of safe, reliable, and profitable advanced air mobility solutions.
Under the terms of the Aircraft Purchase Agreement, Surf Air Mobility has signed a firm order for 25 all-electric ALIA CTOL aircraft and has the option to add up to 75 additional aircraft to its order. The aircraft will be introduced into Surf Air Mobility’s platform for regional operations.
This order adds to BETA’s growing commercial aircraft backlog and highlights the versatility of its ALIA aircraft across passenger, cargo, and medical use cases.
As part of the strategic partnership, Surf Air Mobility will combine its operating expertise, existing passenger demand, and established airport infrastructure with BETA’s market-leading electric aircraft and charging infrastructure to launch the first commercial electric passenger service in Hawaii.
In addition to flight operations, Surf Air Mobility is preparing to operate a new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (“MRO”) centre, which, once certified, will be the exclusive factory-authorised service centre for BETA electric aircraft in Hawaii.
The MRO facility is anticipated to add a new and growing revenue stream for Surf Air Mobility. The companies also plan to collaborate on the deployment of BETA’s charging and ground support equipment at mutually agreed locations to support Surf Air Mobility’s fleet operations.
Surf Air Mobility intends to designate BETA as its preferred supplier for electric ground infrastructure supporting its aircraft.
Deanna White, CEO of Surf Air Mobility, said: “BETA’s aircraft are being designed for commercial operations, with the performance, operating cost, and reliability we believe can be utilised across our scheduled passenger, on-demand, and cargo services.
“Our Aircraft Purchase Agreement grants us the ability to benefit from BETA’s unique product strategy, starting with the ALIA CTOL variant, perfect for missions using existing regional airports, and ending with the introduction of a VTOL variant.
“Our goal is to lead the commercial rollout of electric aviation, including flying the first paying passenger on a next-generation electric aircraft.”
Kyle Clark, Founder and CEO of BETA Technologies, said: “As a regional airline with real operational discipline, Surf Air Mobility has been reshaping mobility for a long time. We’re proud to partner with them on this next step to electrify their fleet.
“Launching in Hawaii, with its short-haul routes, inter-island demand, and high fuel costs, enables us to continue to build on our extensive flight experience and transition that demonstrated performance into a scaled airline operation that is reliable and cost-efficient.
“We look forward to working together to stand up a launch market that will bring electric aviation to daily operations and accelerate expansion into additional regions.”