Surf Air Mobility and BETA Technologies have entered into a strategic partnership and aircraft purchase agreement to accelerate the commercial introduction of safe, reliable electric aviation into regional air networks.
Under the terms of the agreement, Surf Air Mobility has placed a firm order for 25 all-electric ALIA CTOL aircraft, with options for up to 75 additional units. The collaboration will combine Surf Air Mobility’s operational expertise and existing airport infrastructure with BETA’s electric aircraft and charging technology to support the planned launch of commercial electric passenger services in Hawaii.
The initiative will initially focus on cargo operations in Hawaii under Mokulele Airlines, before expanding into scheduled and on-demand passenger services.
The partnership designates Surf Air Mobility as the launch operator for BETA’s passenger aircraft. To prepare for commercial rollout, the companies will conduct a series of demonstration flights in 2026 and work together to secure regulatory and political support for the technology. Once the passenger-configured ALIA aircraft receives certification, Surf Air Mobility intends to become the first Part 135 operator to offer scheduled electric passenger flights and on-demand charters.
The agreement also includes the establishment of specialized maintenance infrastructure. Surf Air Mobility is preparing to operate a new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center in Hawaii, which, once certified, is expected to serve as a factory-authorized service center for BETA aircraft in the region. This facility is expected to create a new revenue stream while ensuring aircraft availability for high-frequency regional operations.
Beyond aircraft and maintenance, the companies plan to collaborate on the deployment of BETA’s charging and ground support equipment. Surf Air Mobility intends to name BETA as its preferred supplier for electric ground infrastructure to support its fleet.
Deanna White, CEO of Surf Air Mobility, commented, “BETA’s aircraft are being designed for commercial operations, with the performance, operating cost, and reliability we believe can be utilized across our scheduled passenger, on-demand, and cargo services. Our Aircraft Purchase Agreement grants us the ability to benefit from BETA’s unique product strategy, starting with the ALIA CTOL variant perfect for missions using existing regional airports, and ending with the introduction of a VTOL variant. Our goal is to lead the commercial rollout of electric aviation, including flying the first paying passenger on a next-generation electric aircraft.”
Kyle Clark, Founder and CEO of BETA Technologies, added, “As a regional airline with real operational discipline, Surf Air Mobility has been reshaping mobility for a long time. We’re proud to partner with them on this next step to electrify their fleet. Launching in Hawaii, with its short-haul routes, inter-island demand, and high fuel costs, enables us to continue to build on our extensive flight experience and transition that demonstrated performance into a scaled airline operation that is reliable and cost-efficient. We look forward to working together to stand up a launch market that will bring electric aviation to daily operations and accelerate expansion into additional regions.”
The transition to electric aircraft is expected to reduce direct operating costs across Surf Air Mobility’s various flight services. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to establishing a complete ecosystem for electric aviation, spanning from aircraft manufacturing to charging infrastructure and localized technical support.
