Surf Air faces big fine for using unqualified pilot on flights.

FAA Proposes $280,000 Penalty Against Southern Airways Express

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has warned it may fine Surf Air a massive $280,000 after one of its subsidiaries may have operated a number of flights with an unqualified pilot. 

The FAA said that Southern Airways Express of Palm Beach, Florida was facing a fine for allowing an unqualified co-pilot on revenue flights between 1st and 12 October 2022. It's alleged the firm operated three Cessna Caravan aeroplanes on around 32 commercial flights with a co-pilot who had not passed recent written or oral tests or a competency check. The flights occurred between Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia and Morgantown Municipal Airport in West Virginia.

By using an unqualified pilot, Southern Airways Express operated the aircraft in a careless or reckless manner that endangered lives and property, the FAA alleges. 

Under the normal process for such incidents, the airline now has 30 days to respond to the FAA’s penalty notification with any mitigating circumstances or reasons. 

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New route between Williamsport Regional Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport to start in May 2024.

Surf Air Mobility subsidiary Southern Airways Express will launch flights between Williamsport Regional Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport with a target start date in May 2024.

Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority will provide funding and services to subsidize and support the programme's establishment. The programme aims to provide the city of Williamsport and the surrounding Lycoming County community with easier, faster, and more affordable connections through their local airport.  By bringing consistent weekly service to this underutilized regional airport adjacent to the city’s centre, travellers arriving or departing via Washington Dulles will be able to skip the multi-hour drive and fly directly to or from Williamsport Regional Airport on one of ten weekly flights. This scheduled service will be the first commercial flights at Williamsport in over two years.

“Williamsport, Pennsylvania is at the forefront of a new era in regional mobility. Their forward-thinking approach helps to expand access to convenient air travel that connects their community with the larger commercial air service networks,” said Stan Little, CEO of Surf Air. “There are hundreds of underutilized yet incredibly convenient airports across the U.S. Our mission at Surf Air is clear: we’re finding innovative solutions to the lack of viable regional connectivity. We plan to continue exploring these types of partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, with private institutions, and with international partners.”