Asta Linhas Aereas, a Brazil-based regional air operator specialising in tourist, corporate and cargo charter service, is to upgrade up to four of its Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft with Surf Air's proprietary electrified powertrain technology, once certified.

"It is with great pleasure that we take the opportunity to collaborate with Surf Air Mobility in the evolution of electrified aircraft. This agreement is part of our constant investment in new technologies, seeking operational efficiency and providing a better experience for our customers. The implementation of the electric powertrain aims to reduce fuel and maintenance costs, essential to minimise the carbon footprint in aviation," says planning and management director José Neto.

Surf Air is developing STCs for both hybrid and fully-electric variants of the Cessna Grand Caravan. With target reductions of up to 50 per cent direct operating costs and 100 per cent in carbon emissions for the fully-electric powertrain, Surf Air believes the impact for other air operators around the world will be profound as the cost and environmental impact of flying is significantly reduced.

"We're excited to expand our presence in Brazil and are looking forward to working with Asta to help make its operations more cost effective and less harmful to the environment with our electrified powertrain, once certified," says Deanna White, interim CEO and COO of Surf Air Mobility.

Surf Air recently announced similar electrified powertrain MoUs with other large Cessna Caravan air operators including Azul Conecta in Brazil, and Safarilink, Yellow Wings, Z.Boskovic and Auric Air in East Africa.