Surf Air Mobility, a developer of electric powertrains, has delayed certification of its electric engine system to 2027.
The company blames the new delay on limitations in current technology. Key components for its systems are not yet certified, but the company believes it will still be the first to market with an electric commercial airplane.
The delay contributed to Surf Air’s $251 million loss in 2023. However, the company also saw significant revenue growth compared to the prior year.
The company’s initial project is developing a hybrid- and fully-electric propulsion system for the 10-seat Cessna Grand Caravan utility aircraft. The Caravan is used primarily for short range missions, making it well suited to use of electric/hybrid power.
Douglas Royce covers the aviation gas turbine and military markets at Forecast International, a market research firm that forecasts annual production across a wide range of aerospace and defense systems.
