Hawaiian Airlines exploring electric aircraft technology | News, Sports, Jobs
HONOLULU (AP) – Hawaiian Airlines is exploring electric aircraft technology with a Boston -based company.
The airline is interested in using the vehicles for travel between the islands, Hawaii News Now reported.
The company called REGENT designs “seagliders” that each will carry up to 100 people.
Hawaiian has not promised to buy any planes but is investigating the possibility. A news release from REGENT said Hawaiian has agreed to a strategic investment to support the initial design of the company’s next -generation seaglider.
Hawaiian is the first airline to partner with the company, hoping to have its Monarch seagliders on the air by 2028.
“We are excited to work with REGENT to explore the technology and infrastructure needed to fulfill our vision for convenient, comfortable and environmentally sustainable interisland transportation,” said Avi Mannis, chief marketing and communications officer at Hawaiian Airlines.
REGENT’s seagliders fly through the air near the surface of the water. The company says the aircraft will serve routes up to 180 miles with current battery technology and routes up to 500 miles with next-generation batteries. The company says seagliders will operate at the speed of an aircraft but have the cost of operating the boats and use the existing port infrastructure.
