Revolutionizing Regional Air Travel: BETA & Surf Air’s Electric Aviation Demo in Hawaii
In a groundbreaking move towards the future of regional air travel, Surf Air Mobility (NYSE: SRFM) and BETA Technologies (NYSE: BETA) have initiated an electric aircraft demonstration program in Hawaiʻi. The program is being supported by Hawaiian Airlines—a part of Alaska Air Group. The launch event took place on June 26, 2026, at the Charles I. Elliott Maintenance and Cargo Facility of Hawaiian Airlines, located at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
As part of a six-to-eight-week flight campaign, BETA’s ALIA CTOL (conventional takeoff and landing) electric aircraft has commenced flights across the Hawaiian islands. The campaign aims to assess the operational, economic, and infrastructure needs for large-scale electric aviation in the state. The ALIA CTOL is capable of carrying up to five passengers and achieving speeds of up to 153 knots (176 mph).
The program amalgamates BETA’s electric aircraft technology, Surf Air Mobility’s regional airline expertise via Mokulele Airlines, existing airport infrastructure across Hawaii, and the SurfOS software platform. Hawaii was chosen as the perfect launch market due to its short inter-island routes and high fuel costs. Surf Air has already placed an order for 25 ALIA CTOL aircraft, with options for 75 more.
“Connecting the Hawaiian islands with low-cost cargo and passenger service is a great application for electric advanced air mobility,” said Kyle Clark, CEO and founder of BETA Technologies.
Source: The Globe and Mail / Business Wire – June 26, 2026