In a significant development, Surf Air Mobility Inc., a company dedicated to revolutionizing regional flying through electrification, has joined forces with the Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority in Pennsylvania. Together, they are set to launch a scheduled commuter air service connecting Williamsport Regional Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport, with a planned commencement in May 2024. Williamsport will play a crucial role by providing funding and services to subsidize and support the establishment of this program, operated by Southern Airways Express, an airline subsidiary of Surf Air Mobility.
The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance accessibility for the city of Williamsport and the surrounding Lycoming County community, offering them more convenient, faster, and cost-effective connections through their local airport. By introducing consistent weekly service to this underutilized regional airport located near the city center, travelers heading to or from Washington Dulles will now have the option to fly directly to or from Williamsport Regional Airport on one of the ten weekly flights. This scheduled service marks the return of commercial flights to Williamsport after a hiatus of over two years.
This announcement closely follows a similar agreement with Purdue University, which involves private subsidies for flights connecting West Lafayette Airport and Chicago O’Hare. These agreements align with Surf Air Mobility’s commitment to Essential Air Service contracts, providing federal subsidies to connect communities that might otherwise lack access to basic air service. The partnership with Williamsport establishes a funding stream through locally acquired grants and community donations, mitigating risks for Surf Air.
By directly collaborating with the city of Williamsport, Surf Air aims to build on the successes of the federally funded EAS program in locations currently ineligible for such support.
Stan Little, CEO of Surf Air, expressed enthusiasm about Williamsport, stating, “Williamsport, Pennsylvania is at the forefront of a new era in regional mobility.” He emphasized their forward-thinking approach in expanding access to convenient air travel, connecting the community with larger commercial air service networks. Little highlighted Surf Air’s mission to find innovative solutions to regional connectivity challenges, with plans to explore similar partnerships with local, state, federal agencies, private institutions, and international partners.
Passengers flying to and from Williamsport will experience seamless connections at Washington-Dulles on United, American, and Alaska Airlines, facilitated through Southern’s interline and distribution agreements. Tickets will be available on popular platforms such as United.com, AA.com, AlaskaAir.com, and iFlySouthern.com.
Southern Airways Express will operate these flights using Cessna Grand Caravan turboprop aircraft, featuring nine passenger seats and two pilots.
Richard C. Howell, Executive Director of Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority, expressed gratitude for Southern Airways Express’s commitment, anticipating increased travel flexibility for the community. He welcomed the collaboration and thanked Southern Airways Express for their confidence in Williamsport.
With subsidiaries including Southern Airways and Mokulele Airlines, Surf Air Mobility stands as the largest commuter airline in the U.S. by scheduled departures.
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. 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.