Sat, Jan 06, 2024
Kenya Proves Unusually Enthusiastic About Renewables
Surf Air's recent electrification hobby has been chosen by Kenyan Caravan operators Safarilink and Yellow Wings.
Surf Air Mobility, an "air mobility platform transforming regional flying through electrification,", signed agreements with both Safarilink and Yellow Wings Air Services Limited. Yellow Wings unlocks more than 500 airfields throughout East Africa, providing the necessary infrastructure to keep battery-powered Cessna Caravans flying month after month in the harsh environment. Between the two companies, Surf Aircraft will be operating all over Kenya and Tanzania. Of particular interest to Kenyan operators is the noise reduction experienced when there's no PT6 spinning away at the front of the aircraft.
Surf Air Mobility's proprietary powertrain technology will make African landfall once certified at home, along with its other partners in North and South America. Their position as Textron's exclusive electrification partner gives them a headstart on bringing Cessna 208's into the next century, turning reliable, robust, bush-ready aircraft into sustainable, green little commuters - with the right underpinnings, at least. As with electric aircraft stateside, infrastructure can be the deciding factor in usability once they're turning props for pay. The reigning Kenyan government has announced a goal of moving away from fossil fuels, being all-renewable by 2030.
“We at Safarilink are committed to doing everything possible to preserve the natural beauty of the countries we operate in,” said Alex Avedi, CEO of Safarilink. “Implementing Surf Air Mobility’s electric powertrain technology will help us reduce the noise and minimize the climate impact of our flights as we help people from all over the world to experience our region’s incredible ecosystem.
“We strongly believe in alternative propulsion for air travel. We have always been the frontrunners in adopting new systems and innovations. Kenya, with 91% carbon-free power generation is the ideal country to spearhead this movement,” said Christian Strebel, CEO of Yellow Wings.
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