Cessna 208B Grand Caravan

Startup Merlin has completed a series of autonomous flight trials in Alaska using a Cessna Caravan fitted with its automated flight control system.

The timeline for retrofitting the aircraft, as well as the number of aircraft to be retrofitted with automated systems, is yet to be determined.

The inter-island carrier signed a similar agreement with Hawaiian Airlines in October.

The interline partnership with carrier Mokulele Airlines enables Hawaiian to offer some inter-island routes lost during COVID.