Mokulele to Add New Routes and Test Electric Hybrid Airplane

Mokulele to Add New Routes and Test Electric Hybrid Airplane

As reported by Beat of Hawaii

Starting June 17, Mokulele Airlines will fly twice daily between Maui and Lanai from $57 each way. That, following the acquisition of Mokulele by Memphis based Southern Airways Express a few months ago.

And the company is looking to expand the Mokulele brand here in Hawaii with more Hawaii inter-island routes later this year.

"When we purchased Mokulele just over 2 and a half months ago, we made a promise to the people of Hawaii that we would bring more aircraft, newer aircraft, more departures and more destinations than this airline has ever served." -- Mokulele Airlines (Southern Airways Express)

Mokulele plans to test a new hybrid aircraft model on their Kahului to Hana Maui route starting this fall. That as a result of a partnership between Mokulele and Ampaire. Ampaire spokesman said, "with a short flight, it shows off the technology and its benefits. Hawaii's focus on sustainability also makes it more aligned with our own vision." He added that potential fuel savings of 50-70% are possible with 25-50% maintenance cost reduction. The company's site says "Ampaire is on a mission to provide the world with all-electric powered commercial flights that are affordable, quiet and environmentally conscious."

If things go well, such planes, carrying up to 9 passengers, could serve longer routes, including between Honolulu and Maui.

CaravanNation.com

Mission Aviation Fellowship gets new Caravan Seaplane

As reported by AOPA

In an Indonesian province where swampland sits just 200 feet above sea level with numerous rivers running through it, a 30-year-old, 20,000-plus-hour Cessna Caravan on Wipline 8000 floats has faithfully delivered supplies; transported medical, ministry, and government staff; and served other critical needs. 

The Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) floatplane is the only one for thousands of miles, creating high demand, but it's worn out.

A brand-new Caravan on amphibious Wipline 8750 floats will soon head to Papua to replace it. Donors helped purchase the airplane and floats—the 100th set of Wipline 8750s produced—displayed in MAF livery at the Wipaire booth during EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 23 through 29.

Wipaire Vice President of Marketing and Sales Clint Clouatre said the floats would be used "to save lives, not just supply a lifestyle."

MAF said the Wipline 8000 floats on the old Caravan had "been a great tool." The new Wipline 8750 amphibs will allow the aircraft to carry 400 additional pounds without increasing the fuel burn or operating expense.

"We do what we do because we want to help people spiritually and physically," said MAF president David Holsten, who served in Indonesia with his family for 18 years and just took the helm of the Nampa, Idaho-based organization in June.

A professional ferry crew will deliver the aircraft to Papua. "It's a little like Christmas when it shows up," MAF Vice President of Ministry Advancement Barb Bowman said. "You can imagine."

CaravanNation.com