Surf Air Mobility Inc. has announced its partnership with the Hawaii Department of Transportation (“HDOT”) and electric aerospace company, BETA Technologies, on the request for proposal (“RFP”) application for the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (“eIPP”), a federal public-private initiative within the White House’s Advanced Air Mobility (“AAM”) National Strategy.
Surf Air Mobility believes its existing operational footprint in Hawaii is an ideal launch market for AAM aircraft. The Company’s airline subsidiary, Mokulele Airlines (“Mokulele”), is the largest commuter airline in Hawaii by scheduled departures, providing high-frequency interisland service across 10 routes and nine destinations. With established airport operations, maintenance facilities, and crew based across Hawaii, Surf Air Mobility has built the foundation to safely and efficiently integrate electric aircraft into existing commercial airline service, an approach that aligns directly with the eIPP RFP’s objectives.
In coordination with HDOT and BETA, Surf Air Mobility would bring together its airline operations, safety culture, SurfOS software, and community connectivity together with BETA’s electric aircraft technology, making it an ideal candidate for the eIPP initiative. BETA’s ALIA electric aircraft is designed for short-haul routes like those flown daily by Mokulele Airlines, creating a practical pathway for electrification within Hawaii’s existing air transportation system. The entities initially plan to conduct cargo-carrying missions between Mokulele’s existing route pairs.
Mokulele Airlines Operational Highlights:
- Operates the largest airline network in Hawaii by airports served and has the most scheduled departures among commuter airlines in Hawaii
- Has operated, in aggregate, tens of millions of revenue passenger miles with proven interisland expertise
- Flew approximately 36,000 flights in 2025, with an average flight length of 51 miles, an ideal length for the first generation of electrified aircraft
- Flew approximately 224,000 passengers in 2025, serving a high percentage of repeat and local fliers
- Achieved 96% controllable completion factor1
- Employs 196 people in Hawaii, including 96 pilots
- Maintains a strong safety record and certification under FAA Part 135 operations
- Has three maintenance centers located in Honolulu (HNL), Kahului (OGG), and Kona (KOA)
- Provides Essential Air Service connecting underserved island communities
- Has interline agreements with major commercial airlines, including: Hawaiian, Alaska, American, United, and Japan Airlines
BETA’s electric aircraft, ALIA, has flown more than 100,000 nautical miles in real-world operations, generating operational data that supports a disciplined certification-aligned roadmap.
Ed Sniffen, Hawaii Department of Transportation Director, said: “The eIPP initiative would provide an opportunity for Hawaii to be at the forefront of advanced aviation mobility technology, while supporting the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s long-term efforts to develop efficient, affordable, and renewable alternative forms of interisland transportation.”
Deanna White, CEO of Surf Air Mobility, said: “As Hawaii’s largest commuter airline flying approximately 100 flights daily, we understand the routes and operational realities. Our infrastructure is perfectly suited to introduce next-generation aircraft. Participating in the eIPP initiative with BETA would support Hawaii’s leadership in advanced air mobility while delivering quieter, lower-emission transportation for communities and visitors.”
Kristen Costello, Head of Government and Regulatory Affairs at BETA Technologies, said “Hawaii is exactly the kind of operating environment electric aviation was built to serve. Short, high-frequency routes, strong community connectivity, and a real need for reliable, affordable interisland service make this a natural early market for electrification. Working with Surf Air Mobility and HDOT through the eIPP allows us to demonstrate how electric aircraft can improve access, lower operating costs, and integrate safely into existing airline operations, and deliver real benefits to communities from day one.”
If selected, the eIPP initiative would support additional infrastructure development, operational readiness, and early deployment of electric aircraft in Hawaii, further advancing AAM through real-world airline operations.
