Beta Reaches Deal for Electric Aircraft in Hawaii

The partnership aims to bring cleaner, more cost-effective air travel to the islands.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:50am

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a sleek, futuristic electric aircraft in flight, surrounded by a swirling, cybernetic landscape of interconnected data lines and glowing infrastructure, representing the advanced technology powering this new era of sustainable air travel.A glimpse of the future of electric aviation, as Beta's Alia aircraft takes to the skies over Hawaii, offering a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative to traditional fuel-powered flights.Burlington Today

Beta Technologies, a Vermont-based electric aviation company, has reached an agreement with Surf Air in California to purchase 25 of Beta's Alia aircraft, with an option to buy 75 more. This deal will bring electric air travel to Hawaii, offering a cleaner and more financially sustainable alternative for short-haul flights like inter-island cargo and shipping.

Why it matters

The move to electric aviation in Hawaii is significant, as the state has some of the highest fuel costs in the country. Beta's Alia aircraft could provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for air travel in the islands, reducing carbon emissions and operating costs.

The details

Under the deal, Surf Air will purchase 25 of Beta's Alia aircraft, with an option to buy 75 more. Beta's electric aviation technology is designed to offer a cleaner and more financially sustainable alternative to traditional fuel-powered aircraft, especially for short-haul flights. The partnership aims to bring this technology to Hawaii, which has struggled with high fuel costs and the environmental impact of air travel.

  • The deal was announced on April 12, 2026.

The players

Beta Technologies

A Vermont-based electric aviation company that has developed the Alia aircraft.

Surf Air

A California-based air travel company that has agreed to purchase 25 of Beta's Alia aircraft, with an option to buy 75 more.

Patrick Buckles

The regional head of sales at Beta Technologies.

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What they’re saying

“For us sustainability is not just the environmental side here. In this case it's a great example where we provide something that is financially sustainable as well.”

— Patrick Buckles, Regional Head of Sales, Beta Technologies

What’s next

The first Alia aircraft are expected to begin operations in Hawaii in 2027, with the potential for additional orders in the future.

The takeaway

This partnership between Beta Technologies and Surf Air represents a significant step forward in the adoption of electric aviation, particularly in Hawaii where the high cost of fuel has been a longstanding challenge. The move towards cleaner, more cost-effective air travel could have far-reaching implications for the state's transportation and environmental sustainability.