Surf Air implements Part 135 safety management system

Southern Airways Express, a subsidiary of Surf Air Mobility, has submitted a declaration of compliance with 14 CFR Part 5.

The filing signifies the completion of its safety management system implementation.

Southern Airways Express is a Part 135 commuter operator.

According to the press release, “Southern Airways Express is one of only nine Part 135 commuter operators to have confirmed an operational SMS, completing implementation a year ahead of the FAA’s May 2027 mandate.”

President of Airlines Louis Saint-Cyr said, “Safety is the foundation of our business.”

He continued, Our safety management system enhances our ability to deliver safe, reliable regional air service across our operations and provides a strong operational foundation as we prepare to integrate electric aircraft into our network.”

SMS Application

The SMS applies to Surf Air Mobility’s scheduled Part 135 commuter operations.

That includes Southern Airways and Mokulele Airlines,

The duo operates regional networks carrying approximately 300,000 passengers annually on more than 60,000 scheduled departures.

The SMS also supports its Surf On Demand charter business by establishing processes that ensure all third-party operator partners are comprehensively vetted for safety and compliance.

That includes Surf Air’s jet card program.

SMS provides a structured framework for proactively identifying hazards and managing risk before operations are affected.

Safety Management System

Key functions and benefits of an SMS include:

• Systematically identifying hazards, assessing risk, detecting emerging trends, and implementing controls to mitigate them before incidents occur.
• Continuously monitoring operational performance through data collection, audits, and analysis to verify that risk controls are working as intended.
• Establishing clear management commitment, accountability, and organizational structure for safety across every level of the company.
• Driving a positive safety culture through training, communication, and employee engagement, including confidential reporting programs.
• Enhancing confidence for passengers, employees, and partners, reinforcing Surf Air Mobility’s position as a trusted operator in regional aviation.

Surf Air says implementation provides “a meaningful advantage as the company uses its platform to launch flight operations with electric aircraft.”