Los Angeles based Surf Air Mobility has confirmed 100 strong order for Textron aircraft. It has confirmed that the first 20 Cessna Grand Caravan EX models will be delivered in the first half of 2024.
They will be used to support Surf Air Mobility (SAM) in it’s efforts to develop an electrified version of the Grand Caravan EX.
Options for up to 150 Grand Caravan EX’s
With a look to the future the order confirms an initial fleet requirement of 100 aircraft with a further option for another 50.
Expecting the full intentions of SAM to be the upgrade of all to the new proprietary electric or hybrid-electric powertrain technology by Surf Air Mobility inc.
The September announcement also had this from SAM: “Through this exclusive agreement, Surf Air Mobility plans to make electrified aircraft broadly available to new and existing operators, and to bring the benefits of lower cost, lower emission air travel at scale to customers.”
“Surf Air Mobility will also be the exclusive provider to Textron Aviation of certain battery electric and hybrid electric powertrain technology for the Cessna Grand Caravan.”
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Sudhin Shahani, co-founder of Surf Air Mobility was quoted as saying: “We know from our experience that people are looking for faster, affordable, and cleaner regional travel, and we are building the ecosystem to accelerate the industry’s adoption of electric flight.”
“We believe that significantly reducing the emissions from this category of aircraft will be the biggest step we can take toward de-carbonization in this decade,”
A vision for electric/hybrid aviation
Surf Air Mobility’s vision is defined as being to utilize both an electric and hybrid-electric Cessna Grand Caravan across its network, connecting more airports with short-haul direct service while also building a regional mass transport platform to sustainably connect communities across North America.
“We are excited to see Surf Air’s progress in expanding their fleet with deliveries expected to begin early next year,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Textron Aviation Global Sales and Flight Operations.
“The Cessna Caravan’s adaptability for passenger and cargo operations makes it an ideal platform for hybrid electric and electric propulsion innovations. This exclusive relationship is a demonstration of Textron Aviation’s commitment to the future of sustainable flight.”
“We are very proud of our relationship with Textron Aviation and excited to expand our growing network with this fleet order,” said Jamie Strecker, head of Business Development for Surf Air Mobility.
“This order brings us closer to our ultimate goal to electrify our entire fleet and bring the world a more sustainable way to fly.”
About Surf Air Mobility
Surf Air Mobility is a Los Angeles-based regional air mobility platform expanding the category of
regional air travel to reinvent flying through the power of electrification.
In an effort to substantially reduce the cost and environmental impact of flying and as the operator of the
largest commuter airline in the US, Surf Air Mobility intends to develop powertrain technology
with its commercial partners to electrify existing fleets and bring electrified aircraft to market at
scale.
The management team has deep experience and expertise across aviation, electrification, and consumer technology.’
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