Beta Technologies and Surf Air Mobility launch electric aircraft demo in Hawaii

Beta Technologies (NYSE: BETA) and Surf Air Mobility (NYSE: SRFM) have launched an electric aircraft demonstration program in Hawaii, with Hawaiian Airlines (NYSE: ALK), a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, providing support in areas including route insights, feasibility assessments, and community engagement.

Beta's ALIA CTOL electric aircraft has begun conducting demonstration flights across Hawaii as part of a six-to-eight-week campaign to evaluate operational, economic, and infrastructure requirements for potential future electric aircraft operations in the state. Hawaiian Airlines hosted the launch event at its Charles I. Elliott Maintenance and Cargo Facility at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

The program will gather data on aircraft performance across Hawaii's routes, direct operating costs, maintenance requirements, battery performance, and crew training needs, among other factors.

Surf Air Mobility operates Mokulele Airlines, which it describes as Hawaii's largest commuter airline network by airports served and departures. The company has said it intends to deploy Beta aircraft for both cargo and passenger missions following FAA certification. Surf Air Mobility is also preparing to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility in Hawaii that, once certified, is expected to serve as the factory-authorized service center for Beta aircraft in the state.

Kyle Clark, chief executive and founder of Beta Technologies, said: "Connecting the Hawaiian islands with low cost cargo and passenger service is a great application for electric advanced air mobility. These early demonstrations will showcase the utility and economics of the Beta ALIA aircraft firsthand to Surf Air and inform future high cadence, sustainable intraisland service."

Deanna White, chief executive of Surf Air Mobility, said: "The question is no longer whether electric aircraft can fly, but rather how they can now be successfully integrated into commercial service."

The announcement is based on a press release issued by Surf Air Mobility.

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