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
Crédito da história e da imagem: 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.
... notas de SP
Sobre o autor
English 
Deutsch 
Italiano 
Français 
Svenska 
Nederlands 
Español 
Português do Brasil 
עִבְרִית 
العربية 
हिन्दी 
فارسی 
日本語 
한국어 
Bahasa Indonesia 
繁體中文 
简体中文 
Polski 
Русский 
Українська
Mais histórias
A REGENT inicia os testes de mar do hidroavião Viceroy
SkyDrive chega a um acordo geral com a 7A Drones, uma importante empresa taiwanesa de sistemas de drones, para a compra da aeronave eVTOL “SKYDRIVE” (SkyDrive Modelo SD-05)
SkyDrive, Governo Metropolitano de Tóquio, Mitsubishi Estate e Kanematsu realizarão um voo de demonstração do UAM eVTOL no Tokyo Big Sight
Vertical Aerospace e Marubeni aceleram planos para rotas japonesas de táxi aéreo elétrico AAM
A Skyportz prevê 250 milhões de viagens anuais de táxi aéreo à medida que a Índia amplia as redes modulares Vertipad
A Sérvia seleciona a Archer como parceira preferencial para a expansão do táxi aéreo AAM na Europa
Seagliders leva viagens de luxo para a Costa Leste com a parceria do Private XXV Members Club