Surf Air Mobility Inc., a pioneer in regional flying electrification, has partnered with the Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority in Pennsylvania to introduce subsidized commuter air service between Williamsport Regional Airport (IPT) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), slated to commence in May 2024. Under this collaboration, Williamsport will provide funding and support to facilitate the program, operated by Southern Airways Express, an airline subsidiary of Surf Air Mobility.
The primary objective of this initiative is to offer residents of Williamsport and the surrounding Lycoming County community convenient, swift, and affordable connections through their local airport. The service aims to eliminate the need for a lengthy drive, providing ten weekly flights directly between Williamsport Regional Airport and Washington Dulles. This scheduled service marks the revival of commercial flights at Williamsport after a hiatus of over two years.
This announcement follows a recent agreement with Purdue University, reflecting Surf Air Mobility’s commitment to privately subsidizing flights connecting underserved communities. Similar to their Essential Air Service contracts, which receive federal subsidies for connecting remote areas, the Williamsport agreement relies on locally acquired grants and community donations to mitigate risks for Surf Air.
Surf Air anticipates that by collaborating directly with Williamsport, it can replicate the success of federally funded programs in locations currently ineligible for such support.
Stan Little, CEO of Surf Air, expressed enthusiasm about Williamsport’s forward-thinking approach, stating, “Williamsport, Pennsylvania is at the forefront of a new era in regional mobility.” He highlighted Surf Air’s commitment to finding innovative solutions for regional connectivity challenges and expressed a desire to explore similar partnerships with various stakeholders.
Southern Airways Express will operate these flights using Cessna Grand Caravan turboprop aircraft, featuring nine passenger seats and two pilots. Passengers will benefit from seamless connections at Washington Dulles on United, American, and Alaska Airlines through Southern’s interline and distribution agreements. Tickets can be purchased through major airline websites, including United.com, AA.com, AlaskaAir.com, and iFlySouthern.com.
Richard C. Howell, A.A.E., Executive Director of Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority/Williamsport Regional Airport, welcomed the partnership, expressing gratitude to Southern Airways Express for their confidence in the community and anticipating increased travel flexibility.
As the largest commuter airline in the U.S. by scheduled departures, Surf Air Mobility continues to lead the way in reshaping regional air travel.
About Surf Air Mobility
Surf Air Mobility is a Los Angeles-based regional air mobility platform expanding the category of regional air travel to reinvent flying through the power of electrification. In an effort to substantially reduce the cost and environmental impact of flying, and as the operator of the largest commuter airline in the US, Surf Air Mobility intends to develop powertrain technology with its commercial partners to electrify existing fleets and bring electrified aircraft to market at scale. The management team has deep experience and expertise across aviation, electrification, and consumer technology.