Surf Air Mobility has confirmed its intention to include Electra’s hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft in its planned fleet. Under an agreement announced yesterday, the company has secured “preferred delivery positions” for 90 of the nine-passenger aircraft, which are expected to be able to take off and land in 150 feet.
Electra aims to certify its aircraft in 2028 under FAA Part 23 rules and expects to start flight testing a full-scale prototype in 2026. Surf Air plans to deploy these aircraft at its Southern Airways Express and Mokulele Airlines subsidiaries.
The two companies will work together to define the most suitable routes for the eSTOL blown-wing design, with Electra maintaining that sectors of between 50 and 500 miles will be the most cost-effective. Under the agreement, Surf Air may also lease the aircraft to other operators providing lift for its regional air mobility network. According to Electra, Surf Air’s “aircraft-as-a-service” approach to providing finance and support for smaller Part 135 operators will help new entrants refresh regional air service with new routes.
Surf Air is already working to convert Cessna Grand Caravans to run on a hybrid-electric powertrain it is developing. The operator has also committed to acquiring Regent’s 12-seat Viceroy electric sea glider.