Surf Air Mobility, Inc. (SRFM) is expanding its horizons with a new venture focused on software. The company announced the launch of Surf Air Technologies LLC, powered by Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR). This new venture aims to develop, market, and sell AI-powered software tools specifically designed for the advanced air mobility industry.
Surf Air Technologies plans to provide software solutions for the thousands of Part 135 regional air operators in the United States. These operators manage smaller aircraft with a maximum of 30 seats and a payload limit of 7,500 pounds. Among these operators, Surf Air Mobility’s own Southern Airways stands out as the largest in terms of scheduled departures.
The collaboration between Palantir and Surf Air extends beyond their shared vision for the future of air travel. The two companies have been working together since 2021, developing and deploying software and analytics tools across Surf Air’s three air travel brands. These tools have proven effective in addressing critical needs for Part 135 operators, including crew scheduling, business intelligence, distribution, and pricing.
Surf Air Technologies plans to leverage its expertise by building upon this existing partnership. The company will be the inaugural customer of SurfOS, utilizing the software to optimize the deployment and utilization of its electrified aircraft once they are certified.
Surf Air is also actively seeking external investors to support the growth of Surf Air Technologies. This move underscores the significant market potential, as the FAA reports 1,818 Part 135 operators managing 11,702 aircraft in the United States alone.
The emergence of new electrified vehicles for both passenger and cargo services is poised to revolutionize mass transportation. These vehicles offer the potential for low-cost, low-emission, point-to-point flights on short-haul, regional routes.
The market reaction to this news was mixed. PLTR shares rose by 1.16% to $29.71, while SRFM shares dipped by 13.9% to $0.2430 in premarket trading.
