Electra, an American developer of electrified aircraft, has teamed up with Surf Air Mobility, a Californian airline, to introduce hybrid electric aircraft for short-haul flights in the United States.
Under the agreement, Surf Air Mobility has secured a preferential right to supply 90 of Electra’s hybrid-electric aircraft, which it plans to lease to its customers. The partnership will also involve collaboration on the development of route networks.
Electra, which owns Airflow—a company launched in 2021 and acquired in 2022—specializes in the development of short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft. These aircraft can take off and land on a space the size of a football field, opening up new possibilities in regional air mobility.
“Electra stands out as one of the early market leaders in regional air mobility, and we’re excited to bring them onto our platform. Their innovations around hybrid-electric, short takeoff and landing aircraft will unlock tremendous opportunities within the changing landscape of regional air mobility,” said Stan Little, CEO of Surf Air Mobility.
Surf Air Mobility made headlines in 2021 when it announced plans to purchase a fleet of 100 hybrid Cessnas from Textron. The company aims to connect US airports with short-haul direct flights, offering a more sustainable and efficient mode of air travel.