# USDOT Awards Lanai Air Service Contract

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded Mokulele Airlines a **$19.4 million** Essential Air Service (EAS) contract in September 2026 to provide critical air connectivity between Lanai, Honolulu, and Kahului through August 2030. This contract doubles the previous agreement's length and value, ensuring 63 weekly round trips that support the transportation needs of Lanai residents and businesses. Mokulele Airlines plans to modernize its fleet and introduce electric aircraft for interisland service, signaling a move toward sustainable aviation in federal air service contracts.

- **Why this matters:** The extended EAS contract provides stability and continuity for air service in Hawaii's island communities, a key consideration for procurement planning and vendor engagement.
- The contract's scale and duration highlight opportunities for contractors specializing in regional air transport and emerging electric aircraft technologies.
- Procurement professionals should note the USDOT's emphasis on fleet modernization and sustainability, which may influence future contract requirements and evaluation criteria.
- Companies interested in federal air service contracts can leverage this development to align proposals with evolving environmental and operational priorities.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Transportation
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** September 15, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)

### Vendors
- Mokulele Airlines (prime contractor)
- Pacific Air Charters (bidder)
- Cape Air (bidder)

### Key Quotes
> It is an honor to have been selected by the DOT to continue operating the Lanai EAS contract.
> — Louis Saint-Cyr, President of Airline Operations at Surf Air Mobility

### Sources
- [Mokulele Wins $19.4M Federal Contract for Lanai Air Service](https://hoodline.com/2026/09/mokulele-lands-19-4m-federal-deal-to-keep-lanai-flying-through-2030) - Hoodline