Surf Air Mobility, the parent entity of virtual carrier Mokulele Airlines has pledged to invest $22.4 million in the Hawaiian business during 2026 as it scales the airline up and readies it for the deployment of advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies.
Network expansion, fleet investment and operational growth
The investment will include adding new flights on Mokulele Airlines Molokai route, including seven new daily services to Kaunakakai (five from Honolulu and two from Kahului) and the addition of two new Cessna (single turboprop) C208 Grand Caravans aircraft from Textron Aviation.
According to Surf Air Mobility, the new Cessna (single turboprop) C208 Grand Caravans aircraft will offer improved operating costs, reliability and passenger comfort.
The expansion of network capacity will make the Honolulu-Molokai route the most frequently flown by any airline in the United States.
The investment will also support aircraft upgrades, airport improvements, lounge renovations. Mokulele Airlines currently operates 10 routes serving nine airports across the Hawaiian Islands.
Mokulele Airlines operates the largest airline network in Hawaii by airports served and has the most scheduled departures among commuter airlines in Hawaii, operating essential interisland routes that support residents, businesses and visitors.
Surf Air Mobility, which is investing heavily in the new technology, sees Hawaii as the perfect region for AAM deployment due to the high-frequency operations with an average stage length of just 51 miles (82.1 kilometres).
Mokulele Airlines is a sister company of mainland operator Southern Airways Express and uses its AOC.
In 2025, Mokulele Airlines operated approximately 36,000 departures carrying 244,000 passengers with a 96% controllable completion factor.
Advanced Air Mobility strategy, leadership and customer initiatives
Surf Air Mobility, which is heavily investing in the new technology, sees Hawaii as the perfect region for AAM deployment due to the high-frequency operations with an average stage length of just 51 miles (82.1 kilometres).
Deanna White, the CEO of Surf Air Mobility, commented on the investment in Mokulele Airlines:
“Our investments in Hawaii strengthen our airline service today while laying the operational and infrastructure foundation for new electrified aircraft to enter the market. 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.”
Surf Air Mobility has added experienced aviation leaders with deep Hawaii expertise, including Louis Saint-Cyr, COO of Airline Operations, and Gary McKoy, Vice President of Airports and Stations.
Both executives previously held senior leadership roles at Hawaiian Airlines and bring decades of experience operating in Hawaii ‘s unique aviation environment.
Surf Air Mobility has also launched a new passenger loyalty program for Mokulele Airlines and Southern Airways, called “Elevate” which will allow members to earn points on paid flights and redeem awards.
The new loyalty program “Elevate” will also introduce tiered benefits for frequent flyers, including free checked bags, priority service and bonus points.
Did you know in Hawaiian, Moku means island and Lele means to leap or hop. Since there is no word for airline, native Hawaiians created the word Mokulele, giving it wo meanings 1.) Airline, and 2.) Island Hopper.
Have you ever travelled with Mokulele Airlines? What was your experience like? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
