Surf Air Mobility has joined forces with Beta Technologies and the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) to submit an application for the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), a public-private initiative within the White House’s AAM National Strategy.

With its subsidiary Mokulele Airlines already providing high-frequency interisland services across 10 routes and nine destinations, Surf Air Mobility says Hawaii presents an ideal use case for electric aviation. In 2025, Mokulele flew around 36,000 flights with an average leg of 51 miles and carried 224,000 passengers. The company employs 196 people in Hawaii, including 96 pilots, and operates three maintenance bases.

Together with Beta’s electric aircraft capabilities and HDOT’s support, the partners aim to use the Alia platform for cargo missions across Mokulele’s existing network. Beta’s aircraft has logged over 100,000 nautical miles of test flying and is tailored for short, high-frequency operations.

“The eIPP initiative would provide an opportunity for Hawaii to be at the forefront of advanced aviation mobility technology,” says HDOT director Ed Sniffen.

“Participating in the eIPP initiative with Beta would support Hawaii's leadership in advanced air mobility,” adds Deanna White, CEO of Surf Air Mobility.

Kristen Costello, head of government and regulatory affairs at Beta, says: “Short, high-frequency routes, strong community connectivity and a real need for reliable, affordable interisland service make this a natural early market for electrification.”