In a bid to focus on its Nonstop to Net Zero strategy, low-fare US carrier Southwest Airlines has joined the Hawaii Seaglider Initiative (HSI).
The seagliders are being developed by Rhode Island-based manufacturer REGENT and are designed to be powered by battery electric motors. REGENT expects its seagliders to enter into service by mid-decade, with human flight trials scheduled by 2024.
In a statement, the airline made clear that while it did not intend to order any seagliders at this time, it still felt it was “important to participate in the feasibility study to explore the introduction of 100% electric zero emissions technology.”
“Participating in this feasibility study to explore the introduction of 100% electric, zero direct emissions technology aligns with our own Nonstop to Net Zero plan,” said Helen Giles, Managing Director of Environmental Sustainability at Southwest Airlines
Southwest has served the Hawaiian Islands since 2019, operating at five airports in the Aloha State. This participation in HSI is the first public partnership with any manufacturer of battery-electric propulsion technology.
HSI is a consortium of local government, private sector companies and stakeholders working to increase awareness and adoption of seagliders in Hawaii. Southwest – the first low-fare carrier to join – is now working alongside other US airlines on the project, including Alaska Airlines and United.
