EASA has signed a pre-application contract with Elfly covering the development of a conceptual prototype for its Noemi electric seaplane. The agreement, signed on June 18 at the Paris Air Show, is a step towards achieving type certification for the nine-passenger aircraft in 2030.
Elfly recently completed a concept-freeze review of the prototype, which it expects to start flying in 2027. The contract covers arrangements under which the Norwegian company will interact with the European aviation safety agency to discuss the program and secure the permit to fly needed to start test flights. On June 12, the company flew a one-fifth scale model of the Noemi.
EASA officials will now be involved in all aspects of development work. These include technical familiarization, design, manufacturing, and test activities for the prototype.
“We have a fuselage and wing which outperforms the venerable de Havilland Twin Otter [floatplane] by a great margin,” commented Elfly CEO Eric Lithun.
While Elfly is focused on developing the Noemi as a battery-electric seaplane, the company has indicated that it remains open to supporting alternative versions with hybrid-electric propulsion or Pratt & Whitney PT6 turboprops. These options could include hydrogen propulsion.
According to the company, it has made provisional sales agreements covering 47 aircraft worth around $500 million. It said there has been interest from prospective operators worldwide for another 300 examples.
“The Noemi project represents an exciting and ambitious vision for the future of sustainable aviation, and we look forward to supporting Elfly as they progress towards a safe and flightworthy prototype,” said David Solar, EASA’s head of general aviation. “Collaborative early engagement is key to enabling innovative new aircraft like Noemi to reach the market in a safe and timely way.”