Surf Air Mobility plans to operate up to 150 electric Cessna Caravan versions itself, and offer the conversion kit to other companies. (Image: Surf Air)
East African operators Safarilink and Yellow Wings Air Services have agreed to convert their Cessna Caravan turboprop singles to the electric propulsion system being developed by Surf Air Mobility and partners. In memorandums of understanding announced on January 4, the companies did not commit to buying a specific amount of the conversions, but each currently operates between four and 15 of the nine-passenger Caravans.
U.S.-based Surf Air intends to be the launch customer for the conversion package, for which it is working to gain an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC). It plans to offer both hybrid-electric and all-electric powertrains, with the latter expected to deliver operating cost savings of between 40 and 50 percent compared with the original aircraft, as well as eliminating carbon dioxide emissions.
To date, Surf Air has been working with electric motor developer MagniX, as well as systems integrator AeroTec. However, it has yet to confirm the supplier for the motor and expects to name two prospective partners in the coming months.
Kenya-based Yellow Wings provides charter flights to more than 500 airfields across East Africa. Safarilink operates scheduled domestic services in both Tanzania and Kenya.
Both prospective customers for the electric Caravan conversion indicated that environmental considerations are strong factors in their decision to partner with Surf Air. Concerns over carbon emissions from high-end tourism are just one facet of the move to decarbonizing flights in developing world markets.
East African operators Safarilink and Yellow Wings Air Services have agreed to convert their Cessna Caravan turboprop singles to the electric propulsion system being developed by Surf Air Mobility and partners. In memorandums of understanding announced on January 4, the companies did not commit to buying a specific amount of the conversions, but each currently operates between four and 15 of the nine-passenger Caravans.
U.S.-based Surf Air intends to be the launch customer for the conversion package, for which it is working to gain an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC). It plans to offer both hybrid-electric and all-electric powertrains, with the latter expected to deliver operating cost savings of between 40 and 50 percent compared with the original aircraft, as well as eliminating carbon dioxide emissions.
To date, Surf Air has been working with electric motor developer MagniX, as well as systems integrator AeroTec. However, it has yet to confirm the supplier for the motor and expects to name two prospective partners in the coming months.
Kenya-based Yellow Wings provides charter flights to more than 500 airfields across East Africa. Safarilink operates scheduled domestic services in both Tanzania and Kenya.
Both prospective customers for the electric Caravan conversion indicated that environmental considerations are strong factors in their decision to partner with Surf Air. Concerns over carbon emissions from high-end tourism are just one facet of the move to decarbonizing flights in developing world markets.
