This article is based on an official press release from NOEMI Aerospace.

NOEMI Aerospace Pivots to Multi-Mission, Multi-Propulsion Strategy for Amphibious Seaplane

Norwegian aviation startups NOEMI Aerospace has announced a significant strategic expansion of its aircraft development program. Originally focused exclusively on delivering a fully electric, nine-passenger amphibious seaplane, the company is now transitioning to a multi-mission, multi-propulsion platform strategy. According to a company press release issued this week, this pivot is designed to maximize the utility of its clean-sheet airframe across various commercial, government, and military sectors.

The company, which rebranded from Elfly Group to NOEMI Aerospace (“No Emissions”) in February 2026 to better target international markets, is positioning its flagship “Noemi” aircraft as a versatile replacement for aging legacy fleets like the de Havilland Twin Otter. By leveraging its proprietary aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, and composite structures, NOEMI intends to create a shared architecture capable of supporting multiple derivatives.

With its Preliminary Design Review (PDR) successfully completed in March 2026, NOEMI Aerospace has officially commenced construction on its first full-scale experimental prototype, designated the TAC-1. The company is currently targeting a first flight in late 2027, with commercial entry into service projected for 2030.

Expanding the Vision: The Multi-Mission Platform

Versatile Mission Profiles

While passenger transport remains a core focus, the official press release outlines several new mission variants designed to utilize the aircraft’s unique amphibious capabilities. NOEMI is developing an aerial firefighting variant capable of scooping water directly from lakes or coastal waters, with a payload capacity of approximately 2,700 kilograms of fire retardant.

Additionally, the company is proposing a specialized land-based skydiving configuration. This variant is designed to carry 17 to 20 jumpers to an altitude of 15,000 feet and features a rapid 10-minute fast-charge turnaround time. Other proposed applications include cargo and logistics, utilizing large side doors built to typical light cargo standards, as well as military and government dual-use roles such as troop transport, medical evacuation, and maritime reconnaissance.

Propulsion Roadmap

To support these diverse mission profiles, NOEMI Aerospace is broadening its propulsion strategy. The core business case remains an all-electric configuration, which utilizes a 1-megawatt combined output from two electric motors to deliver a range of approximately 170 kilometers. However, the company is now evaluating alternative powerplants for missions requiring greater endurance.

According to the release, a hybrid-electric configuration could extend the aircraft’s range to approximately 600 kilometers. Furthermore, a conventional fuel variant is being considered for specialized long-endurance missions, potentially allowing the aircraft to carry 7 to 14 passengers up to 2,000 kilometers.

“NOEMI was always designed as more than a single aircraft. We are building a platform that can evolve over time and address multiple markets while leveraging shared technology, engineering and certification pathways,” stated Eric Lithun, Founder and CEO of NOEMI Aerospace, in the press release.

Technical Progress and Regulatory Pathway

TAC-1 Prototype Construction

Manufacturing and R&D are actively underway at NOEMI’s facilities at Torp Airport in Sandefjord, Norway. The company reports that wing tooling for the TAC-1 prototype has begun, and a ground test rig is expected to run a propeller by the end of the third quarter of 2026. The prototype will integrate commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) automotive motors, inverters, and battery hardware with an in-house designed gearbox.

“By designing and then certifying Noemi, we don’t just create a single aircraft, we create a platform that we can then develop… Seaplanes typically operate on short missions, around an hour, rather than the three-hour legs common in general aviation. Today’s battery technology supports seaplane operations very well,” noted Simon Bendrey, Chief Engineer at NOEMI Aerospace.

EASA Certification Strategy

On the regulatory front, NOEMI is operating under a Pre-Application Contract (PAC) signed with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in June 2025. The company is initially pursuing EASA CS-23 Level 3 certification, which covers aircraft carrying up to nine passengers. Because the airframe is already structurally sized for higher weights, NOEMI plans to seek Level 4 certification (up to 19 passengers) two to three years after securing its initial type certificate.

Financials and Market Position

Developing a clean-sheet amphibious aircraft requires substantial capital. NOEMI estimates the total program cost at $150 million USD, with approximately $80 million required to reach type certification. To date, the company has raised roughly $20 million, which includes about $10 million in backing from the Norwegian government. NOEMI is currently engaged in a Series A funding round to secure additional capital.

Market demand appears robust, with the company reporting approximately 70 non-binding expressions of interest (MoUs) valued at an estimated $500 million. Prospective clients highlighted in the release include US-based UrbanLink, Nordic Seaplanes, Loch Lomond Seaplanes, and Vet Airways.

AirPro News analysis

NOEMI Aerospace’s strategic pivot reflects a growing pragmatism within the advanced air mobility and electric aviation sectors. We observe that certifying a single-use, purely electric aircraft carries significant financial and operational risk, especially given current battery density limitations. By transitioning to a “platform” model that accommodates hybrid and conventional propulsion, NOEMI is effectively hedging its bets.

This approach allows the company to tap into lucrative defense and specialized commercial markets, such as aerial firefighting and maritime patrol, that require ranges far beyond the 170-kilometer limit of current all-electric technology. Furthermore, industry data cited in the research notes indicates the amphibious aircraft market, valued at roughly $248 million in 2025, is projected to grow at an 11.8% CAGR through 2031. By offering a versatile “Swiss Army Knife” airframe, NOEMI is positioning itself to capture a larger share of this expanding niche while waiting for battery technology to mature sufficiently for long-haul operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NOEMI Aerospace?
NOEMI Aerospace (formerly Elfly Group) is a Norwegian aviation startup developing a next-generation amphibious seaplane designed for multiple missions and propulsion types.

When will the NOEMI aircraft fly?
The company is targeting a first flight for its TAC-1 prototype in late 2027, with commercial entry into service planned for 2030.

What is the range of the all-electric NOEMI seaplane?
The core all-electric variant is designed to have a range of approximately 170 kilometers. Hybrid and conventional fuel variants are planned to offer ranges of 600 kilometers and up to 2,000 kilometers, respectively.

How much funding has NOEMI raised?
As of May 2026, the company has raised approximately $20 million USD, including government backing, and is currently in a Series A funding round to reach its $80 million certification goal.

Sources:
NOEMI Aerospace Official Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Vertical Aerospace.

United Kingdom-based electric aviation developer Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has officially selected South Korean manufacturing giant Hyundai WIA as the exclusive landing gear partner for its flagship electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the “Valo.” According to a company press release issued on May 21, 2026, the long-term partnerships tasks the Hyundai Corporation subsidiary with the end-to-end design, development, and manufacture of a bespoke, lightweight landing gear system.

This agreement represents a critical step in finalizing Vertical Aerospace’s supply chain as the company prepares for its upcoming Critical Design Review (CDR) and eventual commercial production. By securing a partner with decades of advanced manufacturing experience, Vertical aims to lock in key design elements ahead of full-scale certification testing.

The official announcement also noted that United Kingdom-based engineering firm Stirling Dynamics will act as a key design partner in the endeavor. Bringing over 30 years of experience in certified aircraft programs, Stirling Dynamics will support Hyundai WIA in delivering a technically mature solution tailored to the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector.

Finalizing the Valo Supply Chain

With the addition of Hyundai WIA, Vertical Aerospace has now secured top-tier suppliers across all major aircraft systems. According to the company’s press release, this comprehensive network illustrates the growing maturity of the Valo’s industrial foundation.

The complete supplier ecosystem for the Valo now includes several prominent aerospace and manufacturing firms. Honeywell is tasked with flight control and aircraft management systems, while Aciturri is providing airframe structures. Evolito is supplying the electric propulsion units, Syensqo is handling composite materials, and Isoclima is responsible for the aircraft’s transparencies, including windows and glass.

“As we advance toward certification and industrialization, securing world-class suppliers remains central to our strategy. Hyundai WIA brings deep expertise in advanced manufacturing and high-integrity systems, further strengthening the industrial foundation supporting Valo’s path to commercial service.”

Technical Milestones and Aircraft Background

The Valo eVTOL

Vertical Aerospace is developing the Valo as a piloted, four-passenger eVTOL aircraft designed to operate with zero operating emissions. According to the company’s official materials, Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant of the aircraft to offer increased range and mission flexibility for operators. The company currently holds approximately 1,500 pre-orders for the Valo from major global aviation clients, including American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL, and Japan Airlines.

Path to Certification

This partnership announcement closely follows a major technical milestone for Vertical Aerospace. The company recently completed a successful two-way piloted transition flight, which validates the aircraft’s core operating mode and technology. The company is now moving toward its Critical Design Review, a vital engineering phase that will establish the certifiable design baseline required to build and test certification-conforming aircraft.

“We are proud to partner with Vertical Aerospace on the Valo programme and support the development of next-generation electric aviation. We look forward to working closely with Vertical and Stirling Dynamics to deliver a robust, innovative landing gear solution that meets the highest safety standards and performance.”

Financial Landscape and Market Position

AirPro News analysis

While the technical milestones and supply chain developments are promising, we note that Vertical Aerospace, like many eVTOL startups, is navigating a highly capital-intensive certification process. Market data from Investing.com as of May 2026 indicates that the company’s stock has faced significant headwinds, trading down approximately 55% year-to-date with a market capitalization of around $303 million, largely due to the high cash burn rates associated with aerospace research and development.

However, the company has taken substantial steps to secure its financial future. According to April 2026 reporting by Stock Titan and Business Wire, Vertical successfully executed and closed a comprehensive financing package worth up to $850 million. This capital injection significantly enhances the company’s liquidity, extending its cash runway to support these final, critical stages of certification and industrialization alongside partners like Hyundai WIA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Vertical Aerospace Valo?

The Valo is a piloted, four-passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for zero operating emissions. A hybrid-electric variant is also currently in development to provide extended range.

Who is manufacturing the landing gear for the Valo?

Hyundai WIA, a subsidiary of Hyundai Corporation, has been selected as the exclusive partner to design and manufacture the landing gear. They are supported by UK-based engineering firm Stirling Dynamics.

What is a Critical Design Review (CDR)?

A Critical Design Review is a multi-disciplined technical review to ensure that a system can proceed into fabrication, demonstration, and test, establishing the certifiable design baseline for the aircraft.

Sources:
Vertical Aerospace Official Press Release

At the 5th edition of the Catarina Aviation Show in São Paulo this week, the future of Latin American coastal mobility is taking center stage. According to an official company statement from REGENT Craft, Brazilian aviation services company Synerjet Corp is showcasing its commitment to zero-emission maritime transit following a landmark order for 10 all-electric Viceroy Seagliders.

The agreement, which industry research notes was officially formed on February 4, 2026, positions Latin America as a primary market for wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) vessels. With over 32,000 kilometers of coastline and heavily congested coastal highways, the region presents a compelling use case for alternative transit solutions. Deliveries of the 12-passenger vessels to Synerjet are slated to begin in 2029.

We are seeing a distinct shift in how regional operators view coastal logistics. By bypassing traditional airport infrastructure in favor of direct shoreline boarding, the Seaglider aims to capture a significant share of the estimated two million passengers traveling along accessible Latin American routes annually.

Transforming Latin American Coastal Travel

Slashing Regional Travel Times

REGENT Craft’s announcement highlights dramatic reductions in travel times for notoriously congested Brazilian routes. By utilizing coastal waterways instead of gridlocked highways, the Seaglider offers a high-speed alternative for both commuters and tourists.

According to the company’s route projections, the journey from Florianópolis to Bombinhas, which typically takes two hours by car, will be reduced to just 20 minutes by Seaglider. Similarly, the trip from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios will be cut from three hours to a mere 45 minutes. Industry data also points to potential future routes, including a 20-minute transit from Santos to Ilhabela, as well as international connections like Buenos Aires to Montevideo.

The Technology Behind the Viceroy

The Viceroy Seaglider is a 100% battery-electric vessel that operates exclusively over water. According to technical specifications provided in industry research, the craft measures 57.5 feet in length with a 65-foot wingspan. It is designed to carry 12 passengers and two crew members, or up to 3,500 pounds of cargo.

The vessel operates in three distinct modes to ensure safety and efficiency:

• Hull Mode: The craft floats on the water for safe, low-speed navigation near docks.
• Hydrofoil Mode: As it accelerates, it rises on underwater foils to skim smoothly over waves.
• Flight Mode: At higher speeds, it takes off to fly within a wingspan of the water’s surface (30 to 60 feet), utilizing aerodynamic “ground effect” to cruise at 160 knots (approximately 180 mph).

Currently, the Viceroy boasts a range of 160 nautical miles, with REGENT projecting an extension to 400 nautical miles as next-generation battery technology matures. Furthermore, the electric propulsion system produces zero direct emissions and operates 30 decibels quieter than traditional aircraft or helicopters.

Strategic Partnerships and Industry Impact

Leadership Perspectives

The partnership between REGENT and Synerjet, a well-known distributor for Pilatus fixed-wing aircraft and Leonardo helicopters, marks a significant diversification into sustainable maritime mobility for the Latin American operator.

“REGENT’s Seaglider represents a compelling new category of mobility. By combining aircraft-like speed with dock-to-dock convenience… [we can] unlock new regional routes,” stated Fabio Rebello, CEO of Synerjet, in a recent industry report.

REGENT’s leadership echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the alignment between the vessel’s capabilities and regional market demands.

“Synerjet understands the expectations of customers who value speed, reliability, and an elevated travel experience,” noted Billy Thalheimer, Co-founder and CEO of REGENT.

Regulatory and Cost Advantages

A critical factor in the Seaglider’s commercial viability is its regulatory classification. Legally, the Seaglider is classified as a maritime vessel rather than an airplane. Industry research indicates it will be certified under maritime rules by the U.S. Coast Guard and international bodies such as Lloyd’s Register and Bureau Veritas.

This classification yields substantial cost efficiencies. The vessel does not require traditional aircraft-pilot licensing, it can be operated by a trained mariner, uses no aviation fuel, and avoids costly airport fees. Consequently, operating costs are projected to be significantly lower than those of business jets or regional helicopters.

Recent Developments and Future Outlook

Testing and Manufacturing Scale-Up

REGENT is actively advancing its testing and production capabilities. In March 2026, the company resumed sea trials with its full-scale Viceroy prototype in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. The following month, they began flight-testing a smaller autonomous drone variant, dubbed “Squire,” to validate control systems. To meet a commercial order backlog that exceeds $10 billion globally, REGENT is preparing to open a 255,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Rhode Island in the summer of 2026.

AirPro News analysis

The introduction of the Seaglider to the Latin American market is more than a novel technological deployment; it represents a structural shift in regional transit economics. We note that the recent formation of the Brazil Seaglider Initiative (BSI), a consortium of local government, private sector, and community stakeholders, signals strong localized support. By advocating for the adoption of seagliders to modernize maritime transport and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, the BSI provides a crucial political and infrastructural runway for Synerjet’s 2029 delivery timeline. If the regulatory framework holds and battery technology scales as projected, coastal WIG vessels could rapidly cannibalize short-haul regional helicopter and automotive transit markets in coastal hubs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Seaglider?

A Seaglider is a wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) vessel that operates exclusively over water. It floats on a hull at the dock, rides on hydrofoils at moderate speeds, and flies just above the water’s surface at high speeds (up to 180 mph) using aerodynamic ground effect.

When will the Seagliders be delivered to Brazil?

According to industry data, deliveries of the 10 Viceroy Seagliders ordered by Synerjet Corp are scheduled to begin in 2029.

Do Seagliders require airports?

No. Seagliders are classified as maritime vessels and operate dock-to-dock, completely bypassing traditional airport infrastructure and associated fees.

How many passengers can the Viceroy carry?

The REGENT Viceroy model is designed to carry 12 passengers and two crew members, or up to 3,500 pounds of cargo.

Sources:

• REGENT Craft Official Statement