US's Southern Airways Express to add PC-12s for EAS ops

Japan's JAL invests in electric seagliders from Regent

Japan Airlines Innovation Fund - the venture arm of JAL - Japan Airlines (JL, Tokyo Haneda)– has made an undisclosed strategic investment in electric seaglider pioneer Regent Craft, the companies announced in a statement.

The move marks JAL's first step to exploring incorporating seagliders into its global network. "We believe seagliders are a safe, sustainable, and economical solution, and we are excited to work with Regent to assess demand not only in Japan but around the world," commented JAL's Executive Officer, Senior Vice President – Digital Innovation, Yasushi Noda.

With this investment, Regent has now raised more than USD45 million. "This strategic investment speaks to the growing adoption of seaglider technology by major airlines," said Regent co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Billy Thalheimer. Regent's other investors include Thiel Capital, Y Combinator, Founders Fund, and Mark Cuban.

The developer aims for its 12-passenger seaglider, Viceroy, to enter service by mid-decade. Seagliders will combine an aircraft's high speed with a boat's low operating cost. These all-electric, zero-emission vessels will operate on water and leverage existing dock...

Surf Air, Jetstream ink deal for 250 electric powertrains

Electric aviation specialist Surf Air (URF, Santa Monica) and Jetstream Aviation Capital have announced the lessor's intention to purchase up to 250 hybrid- and fully-electric powertrains over five years subject to, and post Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification of the technology.

In a statement on October 11, 2022, they announced the intention to purchase was subject to negotiation of pricing, terms, minimum commitment and definitive documentation. Each powertrain is expected to create one-time revenue at sale, and multiyear recurring revenue streams once used by the operator.

In addition, the parties announced an arrangement to finance up to USD450 million through a customised operating lease and sale structure to fund the planned growth of SAM's fleet of turboprop aircraft.

SAM will access this financing facility over the next six years for new and used Cessna (single turboprop) 208B Caravans and PC-12s, subject to the entry into separate, binding sale and purchase and lease agreements for each aircraft.

"This agreement will help SAM grow its fleet to meet route expansion plans and customer...

Marianas Southern launches; justifies fleet choice, plans

US's Mokulele Airlines begins Saab 340B operations

Mokulele Airlines (MHO, Kona) began services with its first Saab 340B, N679PA (msn 340B-345), from Honolulu on July 9, offering weekly flights to Lanai City and 6x weekly services to Kaunakakai, according to Flightradar24 ADS-B data.

A subsidiary of US commuter carrier Southern Airways Express (9X, Memphis International), it hopes to launch its second Saab 340B in the Hawaiian islands on September 15, Chief Executive Officer Stan Little has told ch-aviation. As reported, N334CJ (msn 340B-334) will be the second of two Saab (Sweden) turboprops leased from Jetstream Aviation Capital.

The aircraft represent the first 30-seater type in the fleet of parent Southern Express Airways, which specialises in the nine-seater commuter market with a fleet comprising Cessna (single turboprop) 208 Caravans, Beech (twin turboprop) Super King 200s, and PC-12s. It also has 20 electric Regent Craft Seagliders on order. Southern Airways Express recently acquired charter carrier Air Choice One (3E, St. Louis Lambert International). Its joint venture Marianas Southern...