Surf Air enters deal to supply electric powertrains to Tanzanian Cessna caravan operator Auric Air
Surf Air Mobility Inc. a regional air mobility platform, has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Auric Air Services Ltd. , a Tanzania-based regional air operator flying both scheduled and charter service across East Africa, to upgrade up to 12 of Auric Air’s Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft with Surf Air’s proprietary electrified powertrain technology once certified.
Surf Air now has approximately 13% of the Cessna Caravan market in Africa under agreement to upgrade to its electrified powertrains, once certified.
Surf Air is developing Supplemental Type Certifications for both hybrid and fully-electric variants of the Cessna Grand Caravan. With target reductions of up to 50% direct operating costs and 100% 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.
“It’s exciting to have Auric Air share our mission of reducing emissions through electrified aircraft,” said Stan Little, CEO of Surf Air Mobility. “Auric Air’s commitment secures their preferred delivery positions to upgrade their aircraft to our electrified powertrains once the technology is certified.”
Surf Air recently announced similar electrified powertrain agreements with other large Cessna Caravan air operators including Safarilink, Yellow Wings, and Z.Boskovic in East Africa, and Azul Connecta in Brazil.
