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