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Business Wire
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Surf Air Mobility Announces Closing of $27 Million Registered Direct Offering of Common Stock
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Surf Air Mobility Inc. (NYSE: SRFM) (the 'Company'), a leading regional air mobility platform, announced today the closing of its previously announced registered direct offering for the purchase and sale of 10,800,002 shares of common stock (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof) at a purchase price of $2.50 per share (or pre-funded warrant in lieu thereof). H.C. Wainwright & Co. acted as the exclusive placement agent for the offering. The gross proceeds to the Company from the offering were approximately $27 million, before deducting the placement agent's fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company currently intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to pay down certain indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. The securities offered in the registered direct offering were offered and sold by the Company pursuant to a 'shelf' registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-284845), including a base prospectus, previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC') on February 11, 2025 and declared effective by the SEC on March 26, 2025. The offering of the securities issued in the offering was made only by means of a prospectus supplement that forms a part of the registration statement. A final prospectus supplement and an accompanying base prospectus relating to the offering was filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC's website located at Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus may also be obtained by contacting H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC at 430 Park Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022, by phone at (212) 856-5711 or e-mail at placements@ About Surf Air Mobility Surf Air Mobility is a Los Angeles-based regional air mobility platform and one of the largest commuter airlines in the U.S. by scheduled departures. It is also the largest U.S. passenger operator of Cessna Caravans. In addition to its airline operations, Surf Air Mobility is developing an AI-powered software platform for the Regional Air Mobility industry. The company is also working to commercialize electrified aircraft and creating proprietary powertrain technology for the Cessna Caravan. Surf Air Mobility plans to offer its software and electrification solutions to the Regional Air Mobility industry, with the aim to improve safety, efficiency, and profitability. Forward-Looking Statements This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the intended use of proceeds from the offering. Readers of this release should be aware of the speculative nature of forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the beliefs of Surf Air Mobility's management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Surf Air Mobility and reflect Surf Air Mobility's current views concerning future events. As such, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among many others: the intended use of proceeds from the offering, Surf Air Mobility's future ability to pay contractual obligations and liquidity will depend on operating performance, cash flow and ability to secure adequate financing; Surf Air Mobility's limited operating history and that Surf Air Mobility has not yet commercialized software platforms for third-party sales or manufactured any hybrid-electric or fully-electric aircraft; Surf Air Mobility's failure to realize the expected return on its significant investment in SurfOS due to development delays, technical challenges, or lack of market acceptance; the powertrain technology Surf Air Mobility plans to develop does not yet exist; any accidents or incidents involving hybrid-electric or fully-electric aircraft; the inability to accurately forecast demand for products and manage product inventory in an effective and efficient manner; the dependence on third-party partners and suppliers for the components and collaboration in Surf Air Mobility's development of hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains and its advanced air mobility software platform, and any interruptions, disagreements or delays with those partners and suppliers; the inability to execute business objectives and growth strategies successfully or sustain Surf Air Mobility's growth; the inability of Surf Air Mobility's customers to pay for Surf Air Mobility's services; the inability of Surf Air Mobility to obtain additional financing or access the capital markets to fund its ongoing operations on acceptable terms and conditions; the outcome of any legal proceedings that might be instituted against Surf Air, Southern or Surf Air Mobility, the risks associated with Surf Air Mobility's obligations to comply with applicable laws, government regulations and rules and standards of the New York Stock Exchange; and general economic conditions. These and other risks are discussed in detail in the periodic reports that Surf Air Mobility files with the SEC, and investors are urged to review those periodic reports and Surf Air Mobility's other filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at before making an investment decision. Surf Air Mobility assumes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements except as required by law.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Surf Air Mobility Announces $27 Million Registered Direct Offering of Common Stock
LOS ANGELES, June 25, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Surf Air Mobility Inc. (NYSE: SRFM) (the "Company"), a leading regional air mobility platform, announced today that it has entered into definitive agreements for the purchase and sale of 10,800,002 shares of common stock (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof) at a purchase price of $2.50 per share (or pre-funded warrant in lieu thereof) in a registered direct offering. The offering is expected to close on or about June 26, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the offering. The gross proceeds to the Company from the offering are expected to be approximately $27 million, before deducting the placement agent's fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company currently intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to pay down certain indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. The securities offered in the registered direct offering are being offered and sold by the Company pursuant to a "shelf" registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-284845), including a base prospectus, previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 11, 2025 and declared effective by the SEC on March 26, 2025. The offering of the securities to be issued in the offering are being made only by means of a prospectus supplement that forms a part of the registration statement. A final prospectus supplement and an accompanying base prospectus relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC's website located at Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus may also be obtained, when available, by contacting H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC at 430 Park Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022, by phone at (212) 856-5711 or e-mail at placements@ About Surf Air Mobility Surf Air Mobility is a Los Angeles-based regional air mobility platform and one of the largest commuter airlines in the U.S. by scheduled departures. It is also the largest U.S. passenger operator of Cessna Caravans. In addition to its airline operations, Surf Air Mobility is developing an AI-powered software platform for the Regional Air Mobility industry. The company is also working to commercialize electrified aircraft and creating proprietary powertrain technology for the Cessna Caravan. Surf Air Mobility plans to offer its software and electrification solutions to the Regional Air Mobility industry, with the aim to improve safety, efficiency, and profitability. Forward-Looking Statements This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the completion of the offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the offering, and the intended use of proceeds from the offering. Readers of this release should be aware of the speculative nature of forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the beliefs of Surf Air Mobility's management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Surf Air Mobility and reflect Surf Air Mobility's current views concerning future events. As such, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among many others: the completion of the offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the offering, the intended use of proceeds from the offering, Surf Air Mobility's future ability to pay contractual obligations and liquidity will depend on operating performance, cash flow and ability to secure adequate financing; Surf Air Mobility's limited operating history and that Surf Air Mobility has not yet commercialized software platforms for third-party sales or manufactured any hybrid-electric or fully-electric aircraft; Surf Air Mobility's failure to realize the expected return on its significant investment in SurfOS due to development delays, technical challenges, or lack of market acceptance; the powertrain technology Surf Air Mobility plans to develop does not yet exist; any accidents or incidents involving hybrid-electric or fully-electric aircraft; the inability to accurately forecast demand for products and manage product inventory in an effective and efficient manner; the dependence on third-party partners and suppliers for the components and collaboration in Surf Air Mobility's development of hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains and its advanced air mobility software platform, and any interruptions, disagreements or delays with those partners and suppliers; the inability to execute business objectives and growth strategies successfully or sustain Surf Air Mobility's growth; the inability of Surf Air Mobility's customers to pay for Surf Air Mobility's services; the inability of Surf Air Mobility to obtain additional financing or access the capital markets to fund its ongoing operations on acceptable terms and conditions; the outcome of any legal proceedings that might be instituted against Surf Air, Southern or Surf Air Mobility, the risks associated with Surf Air Mobility's obligations to comply with applicable laws, government regulations and rules and standards of the New York Stock Exchange; and general economic conditions. These and other risks are discussed in detail in the periodic reports that Surf Air Mobility files with the SEC, and investors are urged to review those periodic reports and Surf Air Mobility's other filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at before making an investment decision. Surf Air Mobility assumes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements except as required by law. View source version on Contacts For Press:press@ For Investors:investors@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Surf Air Mobility Announces $27 Million Registered Direct Offering of Common Stock
LOS ANGELES, June 25, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Surf Air Mobility Inc. (NYSE: SRFM) (the "Company"), a leading regional air mobility platform, announced today that it has entered into definitive agreements for the purchase and sale of 10,800,002 shares of common stock (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof) at a purchase price of $2.50 per share (or pre-funded warrant in lieu thereof) in a registered direct offering. The offering is expected to close on or about June 26, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the offering. The gross proceeds to the Company from the offering are expected to be approximately $27 million, before deducting the placement agent's fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company currently intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to pay down certain indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. The securities offered in the registered direct offering are being offered and sold by the Company pursuant to a "shelf" registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-284845), including a base prospectus, previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 11, 2025 and declared effective by the SEC on March 26, 2025. The offering of the securities to be issued in the offering are being made only by means of a prospectus supplement that forms a part of the registration statement. A final prospectus supplement and an accompanying base prospectus relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC's website located at Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus may also be obtained, when available, by contacting H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC at 430 Park Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022, by phone at (212) 856-5711 or e-mail at placements@ About Surf Air Mobility Surf Air Mobility is a Los Angeles-based regional air mobility platform and one of the largest commuter airlines in the U.S. by scheduled departures. It is also the largest U.S. passenger operator of Cessna Caravans. In addition to its airline operations, Surf Air Mobility is developing an AI-powered software platform for the Regional Air Mobility industry. The company is also working to commercialize electrified aircraft and creating proprietary powertrain technology for the Cessna Caravan. Surf Air Mobility plans to offer its software and electrification solutions to the Regional Air Mobility industry, with the aim to improve safety, efficiency, and profitability. Forward-Looking Statements This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the completion of the offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the offering, and the intended use of proceeds from the offering. Readers of this release should be aware of the speculative nature of forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the beliefs of Surf Air Mobility's management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Surf Air Mobility and reflect Surf Air Mobility's current views concerning future events. As such, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among many others: the completion of the offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the offering, the intended use of proceeds from the offering, Surf Air Mobility's future ability to pay contractual obligations and liquidity will depend on operating performance, cash flow and ability to secure adequate financing; Surf Air Mobility's limited operating history and that Surf Air Mobility has not yet commercialized software platforms for third-party sales or manufactured any hybrid-electric or fully-electric aircraft; Surf Air Mobility's failure to realize the expected return on its significant investment in SurfOS due to development delays, technical challenges, or lack of market acceptance; the powertrain technology Surf Air Mobility plans to develop does not yet exist; any accidents or incidents involving hybrid-electric or fully-electric aircraft; the inability to accurately forecast demand for products and manage product inventory in an effective and efficient manner; the dependence on third-party partners and suppliers for the components and collaboration in Surf Air Mobility's development of hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains and its advanced air mobility software platform, and any interruptions, disagreements or delays with those partners and suppliers; the inability to execute business objectives and growth strategies successfully or sustain Surf Air Mobility's growth; the inability of Surf Air Mobility's customers to pay for Surf Air Mobility's services; the inability of Surf Air Mobility to obtain additional financing or access the capital markets to fund its ongoing operations on acceptable terms and conditions; the outcome of any legal proceedings that might be instituted against Surf Air, Southern or Surf Air Mobility, the risks associated with Surf Air Mobility's obligations to comply with applicable laws, government regulations and rules and standards of the New York Stock Exchange; and general economic conditions. These and other risks are discussed in detail in the periodic reports that Surf Air Mobility files with the SEC, and investors are urged to review those periodic reports and Surf Air Mobility's other filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at before making an investment decision. Surf Air Mobility assumes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements except as required by law. View source version on Contacts For Press:press@ For Investors:investors@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Surf Air Mobility Announces $27 Million Registered Direct Offering of Common Stock
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Surf Air Mobility Inc. (NYSE: SRFM) (the 'Company'), a leading regional air mobility platform, announced today that it has entered into definitive agreements for the purchase and sale of 10,800,002 shares of common stock (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof) at a purchase price of $2.50 per share (or pre-funded warrant in lieu thereof) in a registered direct offering. The offering is expected to close on or about June 26, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the offering. The gross proceeds to the Company from the offering are expected to be approximately $27 million, before deducting the placement agent's fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company currently intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to pay down certain indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. The securities offered in the registered direct offering are being offered and sold by the Company pursuant to a 'shelf' registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-284845), including a base prospectus, previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC') on February 11, 2025 and declared effective by the SEC on March 26, 2025. The offering of the securities to be issued in the offering are being made only by means of a prospectus supplement that forms a part of the registration statement. A final prospectus supplement and an accompanying base prospectus relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC's website located at Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus may also be obtained, when available, by contacting H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC at 430 Park Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022, by phone at (212) 856-5711 or e-mail at placements@ About Surf Air Mobility Surf Air Mobility is a Los Angeles-based regional air mobility platform and one of the largest commuter airlines in the U.S. by scheduled departures. It is also the largest U.S. passenger operator of Cessna Caravans. In addition to its airline operations, Surf Air Mobility is developing an AI-powered software platform for the Regional Air Mobility industry. The company is also working to commercialize electrified aircraft and creating proprietary powertrain technology for the Cessna Caravan. Surf Air Mobility plans to offer its software and electrification solutions to the Regional Air Mobility industry, with the aim to improve safety, efficiency, and profitability. Forward-Looking Statements This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the completion of the offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the offering, and the intended use of proceeds from the offering. Readers of this release should be aware of the speculative nature of forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the beliefs of Surf Air Mobility's management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Surf Air Mobility and reflect Surf Air Mobility's current views concerning future events. As such, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among many others: the completion of the offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the offering, the intended use of proceeds from the offering, Surf Air Mobility's future ability to pay contractual obligations and liquidity will depend on operating performance, cash flow and ability to secure adequate financing; Surf Air Mobility's limited operating history and that Surf Air Mobility has not yet commercialized software platforms for third-party sales or manufactured any hybrid-electric or fully-electric aircraft; Surf Air Mobility's failure to realize the expected return on its significant investment in SurfOS due to development delays, technical challenges, or lack of market acceptance; the powertrain technology Surf Air Mobility plans to develop does not yet exist; any accidents or incidents involving hybrid-electric or fully-electric aircraft; the inability to accurately forecast demand for products and manage product inventory in an effective and efficient manner; the dependence on third-party partners and suppliers for the components and collaboration in Surf Air Mobility's development of hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains and its advanced air mobility software platform, and any interruptions, disagreements or delays with those partners and suppliers; the inability to execute business objectives and growth strategies successfully or sustain Surf Air Mobility's growth; the inability of Surf Air Mobility's customers to pay for Surf Air Mobility's services; the inability of Surf Air Mobility to obtain additional financing or access the capital markets to fund its ongoing operations on acceptable terms and conditions; the outcome of any legal proceedings that might be instituted against Surf Air, Southern or Surf Air Mobility, the risks associated with Surf Air Mobility's obligations to comply with applicable laws, government regulations and rules and standards of the New York Stock Exchange; and general economic conditions. These and other risks are discussed in detail in the periodic reports that Surf Air Mobility files with the SEC, and investors are urged to review those periodic reports and Surf Air Mobility's other filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at before making an investment decision. Surf Air Mobility assumes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements except as required by law.
The Advertiser
02-06-2025
- The Advertiser
Lake flood spectacle a magnet for wildlife, tourists
Millions of birds and tens of thousands of tourists are predicted to flock to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre as floodwaters put on a once-in-a-generation spectacular. Floodwaters from Queensland's record-breaking autumn rain are flowing into the usually dry 9500sq km salt lake in South Australia, from the Warburton, Cooper and Diamantina river systems. Pilot Trevor Wright, who owns Wrightsair in William Creek, said it is the biggest flood he'd seen in his 32 years there, "and I have no hesitation in saying that we're going to see a sight with the lake we haven't seen in many decades". What really struck Mr Wright and others was the volume of water and its speed. "This is really different from anything we've had in the past, because it's been a much later season, temperatures have dropped dramatically, so you're not getting the evaporation rate caused by heat or wind and (the lake) will hold water much better." There were hundreds of tourists in William Creek, which is 820km north of Adelaide, "and I think there'll be tens of thousands of people coming up here to experience it", Mr Wright said. Floodwaters cover the lake once every eight years on average, but it has only filled to capacity three times in the last 160 years. The largest recorded filling of the lake was in 1974 when it reached a depth of 6m, and Mr Wright believed this event could rival it. He said the Cooper Creek flow rates at the Nappa Merrie Bridge, near the Queensland border, had reportedly surpassed the 1974 flow rates, before the recording equipment stopped operating. Amid an explosion of life and vegetation, the filling lake is a magnet for migratory birds including pelicans, cormorants, ibises, egrets, spoonbills, ducks and native hens. "The fishing will be incredible," Mr Wright said. The lake could potentially host an estimated 5.5 million birds, including 55 varieties of wading birds, and Mr Wright believed there was potential for three nestings of pelicans, which hadn't been seen since 1974. "What it will do for the bird life, plant life, insects, everything, is incredible, and it'll last into next year." Locals were excited because they had been expecting a dramatic downturn this year, he said. "No one expected this much rain and it's a godsend," he said. As much of southern Australia battles drought, Mr Wright said he "really feels for" the farmers. "There's just such a disparity," he said. Mr Wright has employed eight extra pilots to help handle the influx of tourists, and he's also bought the Cessna Caravan which adventurer Dick Smith used to twice circumnavigate the globe. A new management plan for Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, released in February, bans recreational access to the lakebed, including walking. Visitors can view the lake from the air and at areas such as the Halligan Bay Point Campground. Traditional owners, the Arabana people, were granted native title over land covering most of the lake in 2012. Millions of birds and tens of thousands of tourists are predicted to flock to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre as floodwaters put on a once-in-a-generation spectacular. Floodwaters from Queensland's record-breaking autumn rain are flowing into the usually dry 9500sq km salt lake in South Australia, from the Warburton, Cooper and Diamantina river systems. Pilot Trevor Wright, who owns Wrightsair in William Creek, said it is the biggest flood he'd seen in his 32 years there, "and I have no hesitation in saying that we're going to see a sight with the lake we haven't seen in many decades". What really struck Mr Wright and others was the volume of water and its speed. "This is really different from anything we've had in the past, because it's been a much later season, temperatures have dropped dramatically, so you're not getting the evaporation rate caused by heat or wind and (the lake) will hold water much better." There were hundreds of tourists in William Creek, which is 820km north of Adelaide, "and I think there'll be tens of thousands of people coming up here to experience it", Mr Wright said. Floodwaters cover the lake once every eight years on average, but it has only filled to capacity three times in the last 160 years. The largest recorded filling of the lake was in 1974 when it reached a depth of 6m, and Mr Wright believed this event could rival it. He said the Cooper Creek flow rates at the Nappa Merrie Bridge, near the Queensland border, had reportedly surpassed the 1974 flow rates, before the recording equipment stopped operating. Amid an explosion of life and vegetation, the filling lake is a magnet for migratory birds including pelicans, cormorants, ibises, egrets, spoonbills, ducks and native hens. "The fishing will be incredible," Mr Wright said. The lake could potentially host an estimated 5.5 million birds, including 55 varieties of wading birds, and Mr Wright believed there was potential for three nestings of pelicans, which hadn't been seen since 1974. "What it will do for the bird life, plant life, insects, everything, is incredible, and it'll last into next year." Locals were excited because they had been expecting a dramatic downturn this year, he said. "No one expected this much rain and it's a godsend," he said. As much of southern Australia battles drought, Mr Wright said he "really feels for" the farmers. "There's just such a disparity," he said. Mr Wright has employed eight extra pilots to help handle the influx of tourists, and he's also bought the Cessna Caravan which adventurer Dick Smith used to twice circumnavigate the globe. A new management plan for Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, released in February, bans recreational access to the lakebed, including walking. Visitors can view the lake from the air and at areas such as the Halligan Bay Point Campground. Traditional owners, the Arabana people, were granted native title over land covering most of the lake in 2012. Millions of birds and tens of thousands of tourists are predicted to flock to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre as floodwaters put on a once-in-a-generation spectacular. Floodwaters from Queensland's record-breaking autumn rain are flowing into the usually dry 9500sq km salt lake in South Australia, from the Warburton, Cooper and Diamantina river systems. Pilot Trevor Wright, who owns Wrightsair in William Creek, said it is the biggest flood he'd seen in his 32 years there, "and I have no hesitation in saying that we're going to see a sight with the lake we haven't seen in many decades". What really struck Mr Wright and others was the volume of water and its speed. "This is really different from anything we've had in the past, because it's been a much later season, temperatures have dropped dramatically, so you're not getting the evaporation rate caused by heat or wind and (the lake) will hold water much better." There were hundreds of tourists in William Creek, which is 820km north of Adelaide, "and I think there'll be tens of thousands of people coming up here to experience it", Mr Wright said. Floodwaters cover the lake once every eight years on average, but it has only filled to capacity three times in the last 160 years. The largest recorded filling of the lake was in 1974 when it reached a depth of 6m, and Mr Wright believed this event could rival it. He said the Cooper Creek flow rates at the Nappa Merrie Bridge, near the Queensland border, had reportedly surpassed the 1974 flow rates, before the recording equipment stopped operating. Amid an explosion of life and vegetation, the filling lake is a magnet for migratory birds including pelicans, cormorants, ibises, egrets, spoonbills, ducks and native hens. "The fishing will be incredible," Mr Wright said. The lake could potentially host an estimated 5.5 million birds, including 55 varieties of wading birds, and Mr Wright believed there was potential for three nestings of pelicans, which hadn't been seen since 1974. "What it will do for the bird life, plant life, insects, everything, is incredible, and it'll last into next year." Locals were excited because they had been expecting a dramatic downturn this year, he said. "No one expected this much rain and it's a godsend," he said. As much of southern Australia battles drought, Mr Wright said he "really feels for" the farmers. "There's just such a disparity," he said. Mr Wright has employed eight extra pilots to help handle the influx of tourists, and he's also bought the Cessna Caravan which adventurer Dick Smith used to twice circumnavigate the globe. A new management plan for Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, released in February, bans recreational access to the lakebed, including walking. Visitors can view the lake from the air and at areas such as the Halligan Bay Point Campground. Traditional owners, the Arabana people, were granted native title over land covering most of the lake in 2012. Millions of birds and tens of thousands of tourists are predicted to flock to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre as floodwaters put on a once-in-a-generation spectacular. Floodwaters from Queensland's record-breaking autumn rain are flowing into the usually dry 9500sq km salt lake in South Australia, from the Warburton, Cooper and Diamantina river systems. Pilot Trevor Wright, who owns Wrightsair in William Creek, said it is the biggest flood he'd seen in his 32 years there, "and I have no hesitation in saying that we're going to see a sight with the lake we haven't seen in many decades". What really struck Mr Wright and others was the volume of water and its speed. "This is really different from anything we've had in the past, because it's been a much later season, temperatures have dropped dramatically, so you're not getting the evaporation rate caused by heat or wind and (the lake) will hold water much better." There were hundreds of tourists in William Creek, which is 820km north of Adelaide, "and I think there'll be tens of thousands of people coming up here to experience it", Mr Wright said. Floodwaters cover the lake once every eight years on average, but it has only filled to capacity three times in the last 160 years. The largest recorded filling of the lake was in 1974 when it reached a depth of 6m, and Mr Wright believed this event could rival it. He said the Cooper Creek flow rates at the Nappa Merrie Bridge, near the Queensland border, had reportedly surpassed the 1974 flow rates, before the recording equipment stopped operating. Amid an explosion of life and vegetation, the filling lake is a magnet for migratory birds including pelicans, cormorants, ibises, egrets, spoonbills, ducks and native hens. "The fishing will be incredible," Mr Wright said. The lake could potentially host an estimated 5.5 million birds, including 55 varieties of wading birds, and Mr Wright believed there was potential for three nestings of pelicans, which hadn't been seen since 1974. "What it will do for the bird life, plant life, insects, everything, is incredible, and it'll last into next year." Locals were excited because they had been expecting a dramatic downturn this year, he said. "No one expected this much rain and it's a godsend," he said. As much of southern Australia battles drought, Mr Wright said he "really feels for" the farmers. "There's just such a disparity," he said. Mr Wright has employed eight extra pilots to help handle the influx of tourists, and he's also bought the Cessna Caravan which adventurer Dick Smith used to twice circumnavigate the globe. A new management plan for Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, released in February, bans recreational access to the lakebed, including walking. Visitors can view the lake from the air and at areas such as the Halligan Bay Point Campground. Traditional owners, the Arabana people, were granted native title over land covering most of the lake in 2012.
