Surf Air Mobility received four Cessna Grand Caravan EX as part of a fleet renewal plan, which will also be included in its electric propulsion program. Two of these aircraft arrive under a long-term lease agreement with ITC-AeroLeasing.
The aircraft were delivered at the Textron Aviation facilities in Independence, Kansas, marking the first delivery to Surf Air. The Cessna Grand Caravan EX are the first of an order for 100 aircraft, with options for 50 additional units.
Surf Air Mobility CEO, Deanna White, stated that «we are very pleased to immediately deploy these first four Grand Caravans into our network to further improve the profitability of our air operations. With our fleet order from Textron Aviation, we continue to fulfill our Transformation Plan, as each new Caravan will enhance our operational efficiency and provide an even better experience for our passengers.»
Surf Air Mobility is one of the most prominent regional airlines and one of the largest operators of passenger Cessna Caravans in the United States. The company acquired these aircraft as part of its expansion plan, aiming to strengthen its network of destinations and launch new routes.
ITC-AeroLeasing Inc. CEO, Mirika Nakayama, remarked that «we are delighted to partner with Surf Air Mobility to finance the initial deliveries of their Cessna Caravan fleet, and we believe in Surf Air’s leadership team and their ability to grow their footprint profitably with these new aircraft.»
Development of electric propulsion
Surf Air is developing its own electric propulsion technology for the Cessna Grand Caravan, in collaboration with Textron Aviation. The company intends to upgrade its fleet with electrified powertrains and also offer the technology to third parties.
To achieve this, the company has signed agreements with magniX, a leader in electric aircraft development, and the aircraft development company AeroTEC. Surf Air Mobility aims to obtain a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for its proprietary electrification innovations. MagniX will supply the propulsion units, supported by its development of the EPU product family for aircraft electrification.
Meanwhile, AeroTEC will handle testing, provide engineering services, and support project management. Additionally, it will bring its expertise in certification programs before the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
