Hawaiian Airlines is exploring electric aircraft technology for interisland travel
Hawaiian Airlines is exploring electric aircraft technology with a Boston -based company. The airline is interested in using vehicles for interisland travel.
A company called REGENT designs “seagliders” that can carry 100 people each.
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 look forward to working with REGENT to assess 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 on 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 (290 kilometers) with current battery technology and routes up to 500 miles (800 kilometers) with next-generation features. battery.
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.
