BETA Technologies has collaborated with Surf Air Mobility and the Hawaii Department of Transportation on an eIPP application to support early integration of electric aircraft into Hawaii’s commuter airline network
Story and Image Credit: Eleanor Widdows
aaminternational.com
BETA Technologies, Surf Air Mobility, and the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) have entered a partnership to apply for the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP).
This collaboration is part of a federal initiative within the White House’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) National Strategy. The proposal calls for using BETA Technologies’ ALIA electric aircraft to initially conduct cargo-carrying missions between Mokulele Airlines’ existing route pairs.
By leveraging the existing operational footprint of Mokulele Airlines, a subsidiary of Surf Air Mobility, the partners aim to integrate electric aircraft into existing high-frequency commercial airline operations. Surf Air Mobility will also contribute its airline operations, safety culture, SurfOS software, and community connectivity to support integration.
Hawaii’s unique geography makes it a strong candidate for electrification in aviation. Mokulele Airlines is currently the largest commuter carrier in the state by scheduled departures, operating 10 routes across nine destinations.
In 2025, the airline flew approximately 36,000 flights with an average flight length of 51 miles. This distance is considered an ideal profile for the first generation of electric aircraft technology. The airline also employs 196 people in Hawaii, including 96 pilots, and maintains three maintenance centers in Honolulu, Kahului, and Kona.
BETA Technologies’ ALIA aircraft has already surpassed 100,000 nautical miles in real-world operations, providing operational data that supports a certification-aligned roadmap. The aircraft is designed for short-haul missions, aligning with the operational needs of interisland transit.
Ed Sniffen, Hawaii Department of Transportation Director, stated, “The eIPP initiative would provide an opportunity for Hawaii to be at the forefront of advanced aviation mobility technology, while supporting the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s long-term efforts to develop efficient, affordable, and renewable alternative forms of interisland transportation.”
The initiative emphasizes integrating electric aircraft into existing airline operations and infrastructure. Surf Air Mobility has interline agreements with major commercial airlines, including Hawaiian, Alaska, American, United, and Japan Airlines.
Deanna White, CEO of Surf Air Mobility, commented, “As Hawaii’s largest commuter airline flying approximately 100 flights daily, we understand the routes and operational realities. Our infrastructure is perfectly suited to introduce next-generation aircraft. Participating in the eIPP initiative with BETA would support Hawaii’s leadership in advanced air mobility while delivering quieter, lower-emission transportation for communities and visitors.”
Kristen Costello, Head of Government and Regulatory Affairs at BETA Technologies, added, “Hawaii is exactly the kind of operating environment electric aviation was built to serve. Short, high-frequency routes, strong community connectivity, and a real need for reliable, affordable interisland service make this a natural early market for electrification. Working with Surf Air Mobility and HDOT through the eIPP allows us to demonstrate how electric aircraft can improve access, lower operating costs, and integrate safely into existing airline operations, and deliver real benefits to communities from day one.”
If the application is successful, the program will support further infrastructure development, operational readiness, and early deployment of electric aircraft in Hawaii.
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