Eco-Friendly Flying: Air New Zealand Embraces Electric Planes for Mail Delivery
Vancouver, BC
|
December 08, 2023 11:37 AM Eastern Standard Time
Air New Zealand is set to revolutionize mail delivery in New Zealand with the introduction of a futuristic electric cargo plane, marking a significant step in the country's commitment to decarbonizing aviation.
The five-seater ALIA electric cargo plane, acquired from US aerospace firm Beta Technologies, represents a key step toward achieving zero-emission passenger flights, symbolizing a "new age of propulsion."
Scheduled to start operations in 2026, the ALIA aircraft, with a length of approximately 12 meters and a weight of three tonnes, boasts a battery-powered, all-electric design. Capable of reaching speeds up to 270 km/h, it operates similarly to traditional airplanes, taking off and landing conventionally. With a cargo capacity of 560kg, it is designed for the efficient distribution of parcels and letters.
While capable of covering distances over 480 km, practical considerations limit its use to routes of approximately 150 km within New Zealand. Recharging the battery takes 40-60 minutes, a slightly longer process compared to refueling traditional aircraft. Air New Zealand is currently planning initial flight routes, incorporating specialized charging cubes at airports for efficient recharging between runs.
Air New Zealand's CEO Greg Foran looks forward to deploying larger electric planes for domestic routes and is considering green hydrogen and hybrid-electric options as technology evolves. At the same time, Australia's aviation industry faces climate challenges. Rex Airlines explores zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells, while Qantas and Virgin Australia focus on biofuel.
A CSIRO report predicts sustainable aviation fuel could power most Australian domestic flights by 2050. Virgin Australia's push to amend emissions laws aligns with the industry's shift towards greener fuel for international flights, a crucial step as travel surges post-pandemic, increasing aviation's carbon footprint.1
In the United States, efforts are underway to develop zero-emissions aircraft. Surf Air Mobility Inc. (NYSE:SRFM), as the largest commuter airline in the U.S. by scheduled departures, is at the forefront of reshaping regional air travel with its commitment to electrification.
Transforming Regional Flying Through Electrification
Surf Air Mobility Inc. (NYSE:SRFM), headquartered in Los Angeles, is a regional air mobility platform aiming to redefine regional air travel by harnessing the potential of electrification.
Surf Air Mobility is seeking to significantly lower the cost and environmental footprint associated with air travel. The company is collaborating with commercial partners to advance powertrain technology, facilitating the electrification of current fleets and the widespread introduction of new electric aircraft to the market. The management team boasts extensive knowledge and proficiency in aviation, electrification, and consumer technology.
Surf Air Mobility just entered into an agreement with Purdue University to launch a privately subsidized commuter air service between West Lafayette/Purdue University Airport (LAF) and Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD). The anticipated start date for this scheduled commuter air service is early in the second quarter of 2024. Purdue University will contribute funding to support the program's establishment and ongoing operations, aiming to provide easier and faster connections for students, faculty, staff, families, and the community between West Lafayette and the fourth busiest airport in America, Chicago O'Hare.
The flight operations for this program will be managed by Southern Airways Express, an airline subsidiary of Surf Air Mobility. The collaboration seeks to offer up to four daily flights, eliminating the need for a lengthy drive by allowing travelers arriving at O'Hare to fly directly to West Lafayette.
This initiative is similar to Surf Air Mobility's existing federal contracts through the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which operates subsidized routes to connect communities lacking minimal air service. The partnership with Purdue University mirrors the EAS model but with a private institution, eliminating the necessity for federal funding, and brings much needed air service to an underserved regional airport.
Surf Air Mobility’s CEO Stan Little expressed excitement about the program with Purdue University and sees it as a potential model for collaboration with other non-urban universities and private companies in the future. Little believes that partners like Purdue University will play a crucial role in advancing Regional Air Mobility, connecting smaller regional airports to the national air infrastructure.
The agreement outlines 24 weekly round-trip flights, marking the reintroduction of scheduled air service on this route after nearly two decades. Southern will operate the flights using Cessna Grand Caravan turboprop aircraft with nine passenger seats and two pilots. Passengers from West Lafayette will enjoy a seamless connection experience at the hub, thanks to Southern's interline and distribution agreements with United, American, and Alaska. Ticket purchases can be made on major airline websites, including United.com, AA.com, and AlaskaAir.com.
Purdue University will contribute by providing the use of its refurbished passenger terminal, hangar space, and ramp access for Southern's personnel. Additionally, Southern will offer job opportunities to qualified students both before and after graduation. Purdue will have the opportunity to recoup some, or all, of its investment should passenger counts exceed projected levels.
Click on this link or check this investor presentation for more insights into Surf Air Mobility Inc. (NYSE:SRFM).
Footnotes:
[1] https://www.csiro.au/en/news/all/news/2023/august/csiro-boeing-roadmap-charts-flight-path-to-sustainable-skies
Disclosure:
1) The author of the Article, or members of the author’s immediate household or family, do not own any securities of the companies set forth in this Article. The author determined which companies would be included in this article based on research and understanding of the sector.
2) The Article was issued on behalf of and sponsored by, Surf Air Mobility Inc. Market Jar Media Inc. has or expects to receive from Surf Air Mobility Inc..’s Digital Marketing Agency of Record (Native Ads Inc.) thirty-two thousand, eight hundred and ten USD for 36 days (26 business days).
3) Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not Market Jar Media Inc., its directors or officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Market Jar Media Inc. for this Article. Market Jar Media Inc. was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this Article. Market Jar has not independently verified or otherwise investigated all such information. None of Market Jar or any of their respective affiliates, guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any such information. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Market Jar Media Inc. requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Market Jar Media Inc. relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Market Jar Media Inc. has no means of verifying its accuracy.
4) The Article does not constitute investment advice. All investments carry risk and each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional. Any action a reader takes as a result of the information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Market Jar Media Inc.'s terms of use and full legal disclaimer as set forth here. This Article is not a solicitation for investment. Market Jar Media Inc. does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on PressReach.com should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Market Jar Media Inc. does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on PressReach.com.
5) Market Jar Media Inc. and its respective directors, officers and employees hold no shares for any company mentioned in the Article.
6) This document contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), which reflect management's expectations regarding Surf Air Mobility Inc.’s future growth, future business plans and opportunities, expected activities, and other statements about future events, results or performance. Wherever possible, words such as “predicts”, “projects”, “targets”, “plans”, “expects”, “does not expect”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “anticipate” or “does not anticipate”, “believe”, “intend” and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative or grammatical variation thereof or other variations thereof, or comparable terminology have been used to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to: (a) revenue generating potential with respect to Surf Air Mobility Inc.’s industry; (b) market opportunity; (c) Surf Air Mobility Inc.’s business plans and strategies; (d) services that Surf Air Mobility Inc. intends to offer; (e) Surf Air Mobility Inc.’s milestone projections and targets; (f) Surf Air Mobility Inc.’s expectations regarding receipt of approval for regulatory applications; (g) Surf Air Mobility Inc.’s intentions to expand into other jurisdictions including the timeline expectations relating to those expansion plans; and (h) Surf Air Mobility Inc.’s expectations with regarding its ability to deliver shareholder value. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of management’s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this document including, without limitation, assumptions about: (a) the ability to raise any necessary additional capital on reasonable terms to execute Surf Air Mobility Inc.’s business plan; (b) that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; (c) Surf Air Mobility Inc.’s ability to procure equipment and operating supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis; (d) the accuracy of budgeted costs and expenditures; (e) Surf Air Mobility Inc.’s ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; (f) political and regulatory stability; (g) the receipt of governmental, regulatory and third-party approvals, licenses and permits on favorable terms; (h) changes in applicable legislation; (i) stability in financial and capital markets; and (j) expectations regarding the level of disruption to as a result of CV-19. Such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of Surf Air Mobility Inc. to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: (a) Surf Air Mobility Inc.’s operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation, policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; (b) public health crises such as CV-19 may adversely impact Surf Air Mobility Inc.’s business; (c) the volatility of global capital markets; (d) political instability and changes to the regulations governing Surf Air Mobility Inc.’s business operations (e) Surf Air Mobility Inc. may be unable to implement its growth strategy; and (f) increased competition.Except as required by law, Surf Air Mobility Inc. undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future event or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Neither does Surf Air Mobility Inc. nor any of its representatives make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, sufficiency or completeness of the information in this document. Neither Surf Air Mobility Inc. nor any of its representatives shall have any liability whatsoever, under contract, tort, trust or otherwise, to you or any person resulting from the use of the information in this document by you or any of your representatives or for omissions from the information in this document.
7) Any graphs, tables or other information demonstrating the historical performance or current or historical attributes of Surf Air Mobility Inc. or any other entity contained in this document are intended only to illustrate historical performance or current or historical attributes of Surf Air Mobility Inc. or such entities and are not necessarily indicative of future performance of Surf Air Mobility Inc. or such entities.
8) Investing is risky. The information provided in this article should not be considered as a substitute for professional financial consultation. Users should be aware that investing in any form carries inherent risks, and as such, there is a possibility of losing some or all of their investment. The value of investments can fluctuate significantly within a short period, and investors must understand that past performance is not indicative of future results. Additionally, users should exercise caution as transactions involving investments may be irreversible, even in cases of fraud or accidental actions. It is crucial to acknowledge that rapidly evolving laws and technical issues can have adverse effects on the usability, transferability, exchangeability, and value of investments. Furthermore, users must be cognizant of potential security risks associated with their investment activities. Individuals are strongly encouraged to conduct thorough research, seek professional advice, and carefully evaluate their risk tolerance before engaging in any investment endeavors. Market Jar Media Inc. is neither an investment adviser nor a broker-dealer. The information presented on the website is provided for informative purposes only and is not to be treated as a recommendation to make any specific investment. No such information on PressReach.com constitutes advice or a recommendation.
Contact Details
James Young
+1 800-340-9767
Company Website
