Surf Air Mobility announced a partnership with the Hawaii Department of Transportation and electric‑aircraft maker BETA Technologies to submit a joint proposal for the federal Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). The announcement was made on January 27, 2026, and the partnership will use Surf Air’s Mokulele Airlines subsidiary—Hawaii’s largest commuter carrier—to test BETA’s ALIA electric aircraft on short‑haul interisland routes.
Mokulele Airlines operated roughly 36,000 flights in 2025, averaging 51 miles per flight, and serves nine interisland destinations with high‑frequency service. As part of the partnership, Surf Air Mobility is investing about $22.4 million in Mokulele’s infrastructure through the end of 2026, and the airline will add seven new daily roundtrips to its Molokai schedule beginning in the first quarter of 2026. The initial focus of the eIPP program will be cargo missions, with a view to expanding into passenger service once the aircraft’s operational profile is validated.
The collaboration marks a significant strategic shift for Surf Air Mobility, moving beyond its SurfOS software platform and traditional fleet optimization into the emerging advanced air mobility (AAM) sector. By leveraging Mokulele’s existing airport operations, maintenance facilities, and crew base, the company can accelerate the deployment of electric aircraft in a real‑world commercial environment. The partnership also positions Surf Air to capture a new revenue stream that complements its profitable airline operations while advancing its electrification roadmap.
The announcement triggered a positive market reaction, with Surf Air Mobility’s shares rising 2.3% in pre‑market trading on the day of the announcement. The move signals investor confidence in the company’s ability to execute on its AAM strategy and to capitalize on the federal eIPP program, which was established in 2025 to test eVTOL and AAM operations across the United States.
The eIPP program is part of the White House’s Advanced Air Mobility National Strategy, and Hawaii’s unique geography makes it an ideal testbed for short‑haul electric aircraft. BETA Technologies’ ALIA platform, designed for interisland routes, aligns with Surf Air’s electrification goals and could help the company decarbonize its turboprop fleet. The partnership demonstrates Surf Air Mobility’s commitment to leading the transition to electric aviation and could set a precedent for other carriers seeking to integrate eVTOL technology into their operations.
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