MEHAIR Signs LOI for 10 Tidal Flight Hybrid-Electric Seaplanes

This article is based on an official press release from Tidal Flight and summarizes additional context from Flight Global and government announcements.

MEHAIR Signs LOI for 10 Tidal Flight Hybrid-Electric Seaplanes at Singapore Airshow 2026

At the Singapore Airshow 2026, Maritime Energy Heli Air Services Pvt Ltd (MEHAIR), India’s premier seaplane operator, announced a significant step toward sustainable regional aviation. The operator has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Virginia-based OEM Tidal Flight to acquire up to 10 “Polaris” hybrid-electric seaplanes. The agreement includes five firm orders and five options, signaling a robust commitment to modernizing India’s last-mile connectivity infrastructure.

According to the company’s announcement, this partnership aims to introduce low-emission, amphibious air mobility to India’s coastal and riverine regions. The deal aligns with the Indian government’s recent policy initiatives, specifically the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, which has increasingly focused on integrating seaplanes into the national transportation grid.

The agreement positions MEHAIR as an early adopter of hybrid-electric propulsion in the amphibious sector, moving away from traditional turbine-based aircraft to cleaner, quieter alternatives. Tidal Flight, a startup based in Hampton Roads, Virginia, is developing the Polaris platform to address the specific economic and environmental challenges of short-haul coastal flights.

Details of the Agreement

The LOI was formalized during the Singapore Airshow, running from February 3–8, 2026. Under the terms of the deal, MEHAIR has secured a pathway to add the Polaris aircraft to its fleet, with an Entry into Service (EIS) projected for 2030. This timeline suggests that while immediate operations may continue with conventional aircraft, the long-term strategy is heavily pivoted toward sustainability.

In a statement regarding the partnership, Tidal Flight leadership emphasized the suitability of the Indian market for this technology:

“This is a huge opportunity to bring sustainable aviation to a growing market. India is getting more into seaplanes; it’s a faster mode of transport.”

, Jude Augustine, CEO, Tidal Flight

MEHAIR, which has previously operated services in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Maharashtra, views this acquisition as a cornerstone of its revival and expansion strategy. Sakshi Mutha, Director at MEHAIR, noted the company’s enthusiasm for the transition, stating, “We are very excited about going into sustainable aviation.”

The Polaris: Technical Specifications

The Polaris is a hybrid-electric amphibious aircraft designed to mitigate the high operating costs and noise pollution associated with legacy seaplanes like the Cessna Caravan. According to technical data released by Tidal Flight, the aircraft is engineered to meet FAA Part 23 standards.

Key Performance Metrics

• Capacity: 9 to 12 passengers.
• Range: Approximately 1,034 nautical miles (1,915 km) with payload, though optimized for regional hops of 100–500 miles.
• Efficiency: Projected to reduce fuel burn by up to 85% compared to conventional turbine seaplanes.
• Timeline: First flight expected between 2027 and 2028, with service entry in 2030.

The hybrid architecture allows the aircraft to operate with significantly reduced noise profiles, a critical factor for operations in eco-sensitive tourist zones such as lagoons and wildlife sanctuaries.

Market Context: India’s Seaplane Push

This commercial agreement arrives amidst a favorable regulatory climate in India. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have recently overhauled rules to facilitate seaplane operations. Under the UDAN 5.4 and 5.5 schemes, the government has simplified norms for Non-Scheduled Operators (NSOPs) and waived complex “waterdrome license” requirements for water bodies meeting basic safety criteria.

Furthermore, the Union Budget 2026-27, presented on February 1, 2026, introduced specific Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for seaplane routes. This financial support is designed to bridge the gap between operating costs and affordable ticket prices, making routes in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and the Andaman islands commercially viable.

AirPro News Analysis

While the LOI between MEHAIR and Tidal Flight is a promising development, it highlights a broader industry trend where operators are betting on aircraft that do not yet exist in commercial service. The projected 2030 entry into service leaves a four-year gap where MEHAIR must rely on existing technology or other partners to fulfill immediate route mandates under UDAN 5.5.

Additionally, the success of this venture depends heavily on the actualization of the “Polaris” performance claims. A fuel burn reduction of 85% is ambitious; if achieved, it would fundamentally alter the unit economics of seaplane operations, which have historically struggled with high maintenance and fuel costs. However, certification delays are common in the electric and hybrid-electric aviation sector. The alignment of Tidal Flight’s certification timeline with India’s infrastructure readiness will be the critical watch item for industry observers over the next few years.

Company Backgrounds

MEHAIR is India’s pioneer seaplane service, established in 2011. After pausing operations due to earlier regulatory hurdles, the company has aggressively pursued fleet modernization, including previous agreements with Swiss manufacturer Jekta for electric aircraft.

Tidal Flight is an emerging OEM founded in 2023. Beyond the deal with MEHAIR, the company has reported traction in the United States, securing orders from operators such as Tropic Ocean Airways in Florida, which validates the global appeal of the Polaris platform.

Sources: Tidal Flight Press Release, Flight Global, Ministry of Civil Aviation India