Surf Air Mobility Orders 100 Cessna Grand Caravans, Aims for Electrified Fleet

Surf Air Mobility Inc., the parent company of Surf Air, has initiated a significant deal with Textron Aviation, placing an order for 100 Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft with an option for an additional 50. This collaboration is part of an exclusive partnership to develop an electrified version of the aircraft, leveraging Surf Air Mobility’s proprietary electric or hybrid-electric powertrain technology. Deliveries of the initial 20 aircraft are anticipated to commence in the first half of 2024.

The electrification project aims to secure certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by 2026. Surf Air Mobility is set to become the exclusive provider of specific battery electric and hybrid electric powertrain technology for the Cessna Grand Caravan model under this agreement.

The electrified Cessna Grand Caravans are expected to play a pivotal role in Surf Air’s expansion plans, facilitating short-haul direct services and establishing a sustainable regional transport platform across North America. The collaboration is anticipated to bring about various benefits, including reduced operating costs and carbon emissions, increased operability at airports without charging stations, environmental sustainability, enhanced affordability of direct flights, and increased accessibility to electric or hybrid powertrains for Cessna Grand Caravan owners.