Surf Air Mobility intends to be the first operator to fly paying customers with Beta’s electric Alia aircraft. [Credit: Beta Technologies]
Key Takeaways:
Beta Technologies has partnered with Surf Air Mobility, which will be the first FAA Part 135-certified operator to fly Beta's Alia electric aircraft, starting with regional passenger and cargo services.
The initial launch market for the Alia electric aircraft will be Hawaii, leveraging its short-haul routes, inter-island demand, and high fuel costs as an ideal environment for electric aviation.
Surf Air Mobility has purchased 25 conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) Alia variants, with options for 75 more, initially for cargo operations, and plans to introduce vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) Alia models for passenger service later; they will also establish an exclusive MRO center for Alia in Hawaii and provide electric ground infrastructure.
The first ticket-holding customers to fly on Beta Technologies’ Alia electric aircraft will be in Hawaii, the manufacturer revealed this week.
Beta on Thursday announced a partnership with Los Angeles-based Surf Air Mobility, which it said will be the first FAA Part 135-certified operator to fly Alia for regional scheduled passenger and on-demand charter service.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
