Surf Air, a regional air mobility platform, recently participated in the first demonstration flights for Electra's ultra short aircraft at Virginia Tech. The flights showcased Electra's EL2 technology demonstrator aircraft's takeoff and landing distance of under 150 ft in non-airport, urban environments. The demonstrations highlighted the ultra short's potential to unlock new route possibilities for regional air travel from novel access points like under-utilised airstrips, college campuses and difficult to reach environments. Surf Air Mobility did not operate the Electra demonstration flights.

The demonstration flights mark a milestone in Electra's roadmap toward launching its flagship EL9 ultra short nine-passenger aircraft, which is slated to enter commercial service in 2029. The successful flights of the EL2 technology demonstrator revealed the potential for significantly expanded route networks, potentially expanding access to thousands of new destinations that current aircraft cannot effectively utilise.

Surf Air Mobility's platform is designed to provide partners such as Electra the ability to accelerate the commercial deployment of next-generation electrified aircraft and the operational support and software systems needed to enter the market and scale efficiently. SurfOS is a comprehensive software solution for scheduling, crew management, aircraft utilisation and route planning, designed to optimise efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Deanna White, CEO and COO of Surf Air Mobility, says: “Our relationship with Electra showcases the power of Surf Air Mobility's platform to offer emerging aircraft OEMs like Electra the ability to go to market faster, with reduced operational risk and increased scalability.”

Marc Allen, CEO of Electra, adds: “These demonstrations showcased breathtakingly short takeoffs and pinpoint landings with the power to transform aviation as we know it. It's a great credit to our amazing teammates and partners that we are now demonstrating these capabilities in real world, non-airport environments.”

This announcement is further progress on Surf Air Mobility and Electra's previously announced agreement to bring ultra short aircraft to market and incorporate SurfOS into joint systems. Surf Air Mobility has previously secured preferred delivery positions for 90 Electra ultra short aircraft.