On September 24, 2024, Nordic Seaplanes, Europe’s only scheduled seaplane operator, announced a deal with Norwegian startup Elfly Group to become the launch customer of a clean-sheet fully electric seaplane called “Noemi” (short for “No Emissions”). 

The Danish airline, which currently operates DHC-6 Twin Otter amphibious aircraft, will have to wait until the end of the decade before receiving delivery of five of these battery-powered seaplanes (plus 10 options).  

However, the agreement was hailed by both companies as an important step forward, not just in the decarbonization of the sector, but also as a step towards expanding what is still a rather small, coastal air mobility industry. In addition to the absence of carbon emissions, the lower operating costs and much quieter engines brought about by electric propulsion technology, open up many more potential seaplane route possibilities than there are at present. 

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