The ground-breaking partnership by Alaska Airlines could have commuters and holidaymakers island-hopping in a sustainable seaglider, at mesmerizing velocity reminiscent of a water bug, not so far into the future.
The Hawai’i Seaglider Initiative was announced in January 2024, and this coalition of stakeholders works to modernize the mezzo-sized maritime transportation network of the islands, providing a reliable, clean-energy solution for both safeguarding and minimizing disruption to these sacred and biodiverse ecosystems.
One such partner is Alaska Airlines—announcing plans to merge with Hawaiian Airlines late last year—teams up with innovative developer Regent to bring the all-electric, 12-passenger seaglider to market.
Needless to say, unlike traditional fixed-wing aircraft, Seaglider spendingantis leaves a dock in float mode, turns into hydrofoil mode as it picks up speed, and ramps up into fly mode once it hits open water. According to the firm, Regent says the system is much quieter, too, with a range of well over 180 miles. According to the company, routes would be as long as up to 500 miles per charge if equipped with next-generation batteries.
At a cruise speed of about 180 miles per hour, the seaglider will help people and freight reach inter-island destinations quickly, safely.
First: It should make inter-island travel more affordable. Per the Hawai’i Seaglider Initiative, these craft often have lower operating costs and require simpler infrastructure — water is a great natural runway, for example — all of which should reduce prices for travelers.
The release from the initiative says a route feasibility study projects some one-way tickets could be as low as thirty dollars. While that’s significantly good for passengers and commuters, it would represent very vital infrastructure for cargo and food transport, medical facilities, and others.
Second, it inches us closer to sustainable traveling. Already responsible for an estimated 2.5 percent of the world’s carbon pollution, that number projects to shoot up as more and more people around the globe start flying. Because this new seaglider is all-electric, however, it doesn’t pump out the same bad pollution when piloted.
“Alaska Airlines is proud to support and learn from the Hawai’i Seaglider Initiative, which has vital information on the benefits that could exist from the seagliders for the community, said Alaska Airlines Corporate Development Director Pasha Saleh in an email to us.”.
“Alaska has set an ambitious goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. In order to reach that goal, we must look at future technologies — like the work that Regent is doing with seagliders. … We look forward to reimagining the future of air transportation with them,” Saleh said.
The airline is the fifth-biggest carrier in the United States and has recently been making waves in sustainability.
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Alaska Airlines has already rolled out a sustainable aviation fuel program that makes it easy for individual travelers to take part in pulling the industry’s biggest lever to reduce carbon pollution. Its program rewards elite-qualifying miles—hello, seat upgrades—to mileage plan members who buy sustainable aviation fuel credits.
According to the company’s 2023 impact report, allowing clients to pre-order meals before flights has reduced food waste by 61% compared to 2019, averting about 460,000 meals’ worth of refuse that may otherwise have been rotting in landfills, producing methane emissions.
Other activities include collaborating with the Surfrider Foundation, organizing beach cleanups, and raising others’ awareness about plastic waste.
While Seaglider tech is being developed and tested—launch is due mid-decade—it’s yet another step towards more affordable and sustainable travel options, especially in maritime areas such as the Hawaiian islands and beyond.