NOEMI Aerospace Signs MoU With Philippine Operator HSC

Norwegian aircraft manufacturer NOEMI Aerospace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Philippine operator Horizon Sun Charters (HSC) for up to five electric amphibious aircraft, establishing a foothold in the Southeast Asian seaplane market.

In a press release published on August 12, 2026, NOEMI Aerospace confirmed the agreement includes three firm aircraft and two options. The nine-passenger aircraft, targeted for entry into service in 2030, is designed to bypass conventional airport infrastructure by connecting coastal resorts and island destinations directly.

Expanding operations in the Philippines

The Philippine archipelago, comprising 7,641 islands, presents a distinct operational environment suited for amphibious aviation. Road and ferry transfers between islands are often lengthy, creating a market for direct air links that do not require runway construction.

Eric Lithun, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NOEMI Aerospace, highlighted the geographic alignment between the aircraft’s design and the region’s infrastructure needs.

“The geography of the Philippines makes a very strong case for seaplanes. With more than 7,600 islands, short distances and a strong ambition to develop its tourism industry, The Philippines offers exactly the kind of environment NOEMI is being designed for. This agreement strengthens our position in Southeast Asia and provides further confirmation of the commercial potential for electric amphibious aviation in the region.”

While NOEMI Aerospace is developing a fully electric aviation platform, the airframe is adaptable for hybrid-electric or conventional fuel-based propulsion. Raymond Schwab, Founder and Captain of HSC, indicated that the operator is looking closely at the hybrid configuration to maximize operational flexibility.

“We believe NOEMI is very well suited to the future of seaplane operations in the Philippines. With the hybrid version, we see the flexibility to operate a wide range of missions and serve the entire market. The ability to connect coastal resorts and island destinations directly and efficiently fits perfectly with our vision for a new generation of premium island access.”

Aircraft development and global market reach

NOEMI Aerospace, which rebranded from Elfly Group earlier in 2026 to emphasize its “No Emissions” focus, is advancing the development of its nine-passenger amphibious aircraft. The manufacturer is targeting 2027 for the start of test flights with a full-scale prototype. This phase of development is supported by a €3 million grant awarded by Innovation Norway in July 2026.

The agreement with HSC follows a series of commitments from international operators seeking to integrate amphibious aircraft into their networks.

Recent order momentum

On August 10, 2026, the same day the HSC agreement was signed, NOEMI Aerospace announced a separate MoU with Pawan Hans, India’s largest helicopter operator, to explore electric seaplane operations and wet lease options in India.

Earlier in the year, on January 19, 2026, US-based airline startup UrbanLink signed an agreement for 10 firm NOEMI aircraft and 10 options. UrbanLink plans to utilize the aircraft to develop a zero-emission network across Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean.

AirPro News analysis

We note that NOEMI Aerospace is strategically targeting geographic regions where traditional runway infrastructure is either economically unviable or physically impossible to construct. The simultaneous focus on the Philippines, India, and the Caribbean indicates a clear market segmentation strategy for amphibious aircraft.

HSC’s specific interest in the hybrid-electric variant highlights a pragmatic approach by operators. Until remote island destinations can support high-capacity electrical charging infrastructure, hybrid propulsion offers the necessary range and operational flexibility while still allowing operators to transition toward lower-emission aviation.

Sources: NOEMI Aerospace