Business Aviation
REGENT Secures 30 Viceroy Seaglider Order from XXV for US East Coast
REGENT’s 30-unit Viceroy seaglider order from XXV aims to launch a zero-emission, high-speed transport network along the U.S. East Coast by 2027.
This article is based on an official press release from REGENT.
Rhode Island-based manufacturers REGENT has announced a significant fleet order from XXV, a private membership club headquartered in Southern Connecticut. The agreement includes a firm order for 30 “Viceroy” seagliders, the all-electric wing-in-ground effect vehicles designed to operate exclusively over water.
According to the company’s announcement, the partnership aims to establish a high-speed, zero-emission transportation network connecting key luxury destinations along the U.S. East Coast. Deliveries are scheduled to begin as early as 2027, potentially positioning the service ahead of many electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi competitors.
While the financial terms were not disclosed in the official release, market analysis of comparable orders, such as previous deals with Southern Airways Express and Ocean Flyer, suggests the total value of the 30-unit fleet could range between $300 million and $500 million.
XXV plans to deploy the Viceroy seagliders on some of the most congested and lucrative travel corridors in the United States. The press release confirms that the planned route network will service:
The service targets the same demographic currently served by helicopter operators like Blade and seaplane operators like Tailwind Air, but with a promise of reduced noise and zero operating emissions. XXV stated that it intends to appoint a “high-profile U.S. operator” to manage the daily logistics and piloting of the fleet, rather than operating the vessels directly.
“We designed Seaglider vessels to remove friction from coastal travel, and XXV is applying that capability to create a member experience centered on our shared goals of convenience, comfort, and connection.”
, Billy Thalheimer, CEO of REGENT
The purchaser, XXV (pronounced “Twenty-Five”), is described as a private members club founded by Neill Etheridge and Jamie Petty. Despite the scale of the order, the organization maintains a low public profile, with no active public-facing membership portal currently available. The club positions itself as a provider of “innovative experiences centered around premier coastal destinations.”
In a statement regarding the acquisition, co-founder Neill Etheridge emphasized the transformative potential of the technology. “REGENT’s Seaglider vessels transform travel from a constraint into an opportunity.”
, Neill Etheridge, Co-founder of XXV
The Viceroy is a 12-passenger, all-electric craft capable of speeds up to 180 mph (156 knots). It operates using the “wing-in-ground” (WIG) effect, flying on a cushion of air within one wingspan of the water’s surface. Because the vehicle never flies at high altitudes, it is classified as a maritime vessel by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) rather than an aircraft by the FAA.
This classification is critical to the project’s timeline. By adhering to maritime regulations, REGENT aims to bypass the lengthy and expensive certification backlog currently facing electric aviation startups. The Viceroy operates in three modes: floating on its hull near docks, hydrofoiling in harbors, and flying at low altitude over open water.
The order from XXV highlights a growing trend of private capital seeking to disrupt regional mobility through “regulatory arbitrage.” By utilizing the USCG maritime classification, operators like XXV can potentially launch high-speed regional services years before FAA-certified electric air taxis enter the market.
However, challenges remain. While the “boat” classification simplifies certification, the operational reality of flying a vehicle at 180 mph near crowded waterways like New York Harbor will likely invite scrutiny. Furthermore, the viability of the network depends on the installation of high-voltage maritime charging infrastructure at destinations like Nantucket and the Hamptons, which is currently virtually non-existent.
If successful, this model poses a direct threat to existing helicopter services. The Viceroy promises a smoother ride than traditional boats and a significantly quieter acoustic profile than helicopters, potentially unlocking access to noise-sensitive ports that have previously banned air traffic.
Is the Viceroy a plane or a boat? When will the service launch? How fast can it go?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Legally, it is a boat. The U.S. Coast Guard classifies it as a maritime vessel because it operates exclusively in ground effect, just a few feet above the water.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027, though the exact launch date for passenger services will depend on operator readiness and infrastructure development.
The Viceroy has a top speed of 180 mph, making it approximately six times faster than a traditional ferry.
Sources
Photo Credit: REGENT