Surf Air Mobility Reinforces Advanced Air Mobility Strategy Through Continued Investment in Mokulele Airlines’ Hawaii Operations
Surf Air Mobility Inc. (NYSE: SRFM) (“Surf Air Mobility” or the “Company”) has released a comprehensive operational update on its wholly owned scheduled airline business, Mokulele Airlines, underscoring the Hawaii interisland network as a cornerstone of the Company’s long-term strategy. The update highlights Mokulele’s role as both a vital transportation provider for Hawaii and a foundational platform for the future deployment of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft.
The Company reaffirmed its commitment to sustained investment across Mokulele’s Hawaii operations, with planned capital investments totaling approximately $22.4 million by the end of 2026. These investments are designed to preserve operational excellence today while positioning the network to support next-generation electrified aircraft as they enter commercial service.
Hawaii as a Strategic Aviation Asset
Mokulele Airlines operates the largest airline network in Hawaii by airports served and offers the most scheduled departures among commuter airlines in the state. The airline plays a critical role in connecting communities across the Hawaiian Islands, providing essential air service that supports residents, businesses, medical travel, tourism, and time-sensitive cargo.
Unlike discretionary leisure routes, Mokulele’s interisland services are woven into the daily fabric of life in Hawaii. These routes are often the fastest—and in some cases the only—practical way to travel between islands, particularly for communities with limited transportation alternatives.
Surf Air Mobility views this deeply embedded network as a durable competitive advantage and a natural proving ground for emerging aviation technologies.
Building Today’s Reliability While Preparing for Tomorrow’s Aircraft
Surf Air Mobility’s investment strategy for Mokulele is intentionally dual-purpose. On one hand, the Company is focused on maintaining and enhancing the reliability, safety, and customer experience of its existing scheduled airline operations. On the other, it is methodically laying the operational, infrastructure, and organizational groundwork needed to integrate AAM aircraft into commercial service.
Our investments in Hawaii strengthen our airline service today while laying the operational and infrastructure foundation for new electrified aircraft to enter the market,” said Deanna White, Chief Executive Officer of Surf Air Mobility. “We believe our Hawaii network will be an ideal showcase to demonstrate how Advanced Air Mobility aircraft will improve flight-level unit economics, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance airline profitability.”
This approach reflects Surf Air Mobility’s belief that the transition to electrified aviation will be evolutionary rather than abrupt—requiring disciplined preparation, real-world operating data, and close coordination with regulators, manufacturers, and communities.
Strong Operational Performance in 2025
Mokulele’s 2025 operational performance demonstrates the strength and resilience of its Hawaii network:
- 36,000 scheduled departures
- 224,000 passengers transported
- 96% controllable completion factor, reflecting high operational reliability
These metrics underscore Mokulele’s ability to operate consistently in a demanding interisland environment characterized by frequent short flights, variable weather, and tight schedules.
High completion rates are particularly important in Hawaii, where missed flights can significantly disrupt travel plans for residents and visitors alike. Surf Air Mobility views this operational discipline as a critical prerequisite for future AAM deployment, where aircraft utilization and schedule reliability will be key drivers of economic performance.
A Network Optimized for Advanced Air Mobility
Mokulele’s route structure makes it one of the most operationally relevant airline networks in the United States for next-generation AAM aircraft.
The airline currently operates:
- 10 routes serving 9 airports across the Hawaiian Islands
- An average stage length of 51 miles
- More than 14,100 flights annually on routes 50 miles and under
These short, high-frequency routes align closely with the expected range and mission profiles of first-generation electrified aircraft. Hawaii’s geography—combined with consistent demand for interisland travel—creates an ideal environment to test how AAM aircraft can deliver lower operating costs, reduced maintenance requirements, and improved sustainability metrics.
Few markets globally offer this combination of short sectors, high utilization potential, and established commercial airline demand.
Expanding Capacity on High-Demand Routes
To meet growing demand and improve connectivity, Mokulele is expanding its flight schedule beginning in the first quarter of 2026. The airline will add seven new daily roundtrips to its high-demand Molokai routes, including:
- Five new daily roundtrips between Molokai and Honolulu (HNL)
- Two new daily roundtrips between Molokai and Kahului (OGG)
Following this expansion, Mokulele will operate:
- 26 peak-day roundtrips from Molokai to Honolulu
- 13 daily roundtrips from Molokai to Kahului
With this schedule increase, the Honolulu–Molokai route will become the most frequently flown route of any airline in the United States, highlighting both the importance of the service and the intensity of demand.
For Surf Air Mobility, these high-frequency operations also provide a valuable real-world testbed for evaluating how future AAM aircraft could further increase efficiency on short-haul routes.
Strengthening Connectivity Through Interline Partnerships
Mokulele’s Hawaii network is further strengthened through interline partnerships with major domestic and international carriers, including:
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
- Japan Airlines
These partnerships extend the reach of Mokulele’s interisland network by seamlessly connecting passengers to mainland and international destinations. Travelers benefit from coordinated schedules, simplified ticketing, and improved connectivity, while Mokulele gains access to broader demand streams.
This level of integration reinforces Mokulele’s role as a critical feeder airline within the broader aviation ecosystem—and enhances its attractiveness as a future AAM launch platform.
Fleet and Infrastructure Investments
Surf Air Mobility is making targeted investments to modernize Mokulele’s fleet and ground infrastructure in support of both near-term performance and long-term innovation.
Fleet Upgrades
- Two new Cessna Caravan aircraft have been delivered from Textron Aviation
- Two additional new aircraft are scheduled to enter service in 2026
The newer Cessna Caravan aircraft offer improved operating economics, enhanced reliability, and greater passenger comfort. These upgrades help reduce downtime, lower maintenance costs, and improve consistency across the fleet.
Customer Experience Enhancements
- Refreshed airport lounges
- Improved ground facilities at key stations
These investments are aimed at elevating the overall passenger experience while reinforcing Mokulele’s brand as a reliable, community-focused airline.
Launch of the Elevate Loyalty Program
As part of its customer-focused strategy, Surf Air Mobility has launched “Elevate,” a new loyalty program for Mokulele Airlines and Southern Airways.
Key features of the program include:
- Points earned on paid flights
- Reward redemptions across participating airlines
- Tiered benefits for frequent flyers, such as:
- Free checked bags
- Priority services
- Bonus point accrual
The loyalty program strengthens engagement with frequent travelers—many of whom rely on Mokulele for essential interisland travel—while creating a foundation for future customer retention initiatives as the network evolves.
Strengthening Local Leadership and Expertise
Recognizing the unique operational and cultural dynamics of Hawaii aviation, Surf Air Mobility has bolstered Mokulele’s leadership team with experienced executives who bring deep local expertise.
Recent additions include:
- Louis Saint-Cyr, Chief Operating Officer of Airline Operations
- Gary McKoy, Vice President of Airports and Stations
Both executives previously held senior leadership roles at Hawaiian Airlines and collectively bring decades of experience operating within Hawaii’s complex aviation environment. Their leadership is expected to enhance operational discipline, regulatory engagement, and community relationships.
Hawaii as a Launch Market for Advanced Air Mobility
With its short routes, consistent demand, and strong community integration, Mokulele’s Hawaii network is uniquely positioned to serve as a launch market for Advanced Air Mobility aircraft.
The combination of:
- Short average stage lengths
- High-frequency operations
- Established airline infrastructure
- Strong local and visitor demand
makes Hawaii an ideal environment to demonstrate how electrified aircraft can transform regional air travel. Surf Air Mobility believes that deploying AAM aircraft in this context will provide compelling evidence of improved unit economics, lower maintenance costs, and enhanced profitability in scheduled commercial service.
Surf Air Mobility’s continued investment in Mokulele Airlines reflects a long-term vision that bridges today’s operational excellence with tomorrow’s aviation innovation. By strengthening its Hawaii network now, the Company is positioning itself to lead the transition toward a more efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced future for regional air travel.
As Advanced Air Mobility moves closer to commercial reality, Mokulele’s interisland operations stand ready to serve as both a community lifeline and a proving ground for the next era of flight.
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