Synerjet Orders 10 Electric Viceroy Seagliders for Latin America

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