Brazilian airline Azul has agreed to work with Surf Air Mobility on plans to convert its fleet of Cessna Caravans to electric propulsion. Surf Air Mobility is partnered with electric motor developer MagniX and systems integrator AeroTec in seeking a supplemental type certificate to convert the turboprop single. With Azul’s support, Surf Air now aims to seek approval from Brazil air safety regulator ANAC.
Azul currently operates 27 Cessna Caravans through its Azul Conecta regional division. According to Surf Air, converting these would eliminate carbon emissions and reduce direct operating costs by up to 50 percent, potentially allowing operators to launch routes that are not economically viable with current aircraft.
Surf Air aims to receive FAA approval in 2026. It is one of several companies working to convert the Caravan to either all-electric or hybrid-electric propulsion. Others include Ampaire, aircraft OEM Textron Aviation, and hydrogen fuel cell developer ZeroAvia.
“It’s important for Surf Air Mobility to develop our technology with operators that will be the direct beneficiaries of the coming transition to electric aircraft,” said Surf Air Mobility CEO Stan Little. “We’re very excited to work with Azul to help us design our technology and define how our electric powertrains can best be deployed within an existing regional network for passengers to gain as much benefit from the technology as possible.”