Alaka’i Technologies

Alakai Technologies has developed Skai, a hydrogen-powered vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Launched in 2019, the aircraft has a flight duration of up to four hours, a top speed of 115 miles per hour, a payload of up to 1,000 pounds, and a passenger capacity of up to five. The aircraft is powered by three fuel cells that convert liquid hydrogen into electricity to power all on-board systems and six rotor motors, with a refueling time of less than 10 minutes. The company also claims that hydrogen offers 12x–16x greater power density than lithium-ion batteries.

Alakai proposes three main applications for Skai: 1) SkaiCab—an air taxi service, 2) SkaiMed—emergency medical services and medivac services, 3) SkaiCargo—package and other deliveries. The company’s initial focus will be on SkaiMed and SkaiCargo solutions due to the less stringent requirements for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. In October 2022, it was reported that the FAA had approved Alakai’s second hydrogen fuel cell experimental vehicle for flight testing.

Alakai states that its initial models will be piloted, with plans for fully autonomous models in the future. The company is targeting a price of around USD 200,000 and expects its early models to have a higher price point. The company expects to produce 10,000 aircrafts per year and eventually plans to make different versions of Skai available for private ownership at the same price points as high-end luxury cars. Alakai has also partnered with BMW (through BMW Designworks) to design its model aircraft.

Alakai’s co-founder, Brian Morrison, and Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Bruce Holmes, were both key personnel in NASA’s AGATE (Advanced General Aviation Transport Experiments) program. Morrison was also a former Raytheon and Beech Aircraft executive, while Holmes worked for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy in 2000–2001 analyzing aerospace and commercial space policy.