Noemi Taps Seaplane Demand in India and Philippines

India’s largest helicopter operator, Pawan Hans (PH), has confirmed plans to launch seaplane operations, having this week signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that could lead to an order for the electric amphibious aircraft being developed by Noemi Aerospace. The Norwegian start-up—which was formerly known as Elfly—announced the agreement on August 10 and is expected to disclose another Indian partner in the coming days.

The partnership will involve Noemi and government-owned PH, which is now being restructured, jointly developing the business case for operations with the seaplane. The work will cover options for wet lease operations and training for PH technicians to provide product support in India.

Noemi is aiming to start flight tests with a full-scale prototype in 2027 and achieve type certification and first deliveries in 2030. Company founder and CEO Eric Lithun said that he is evaluating plans to do some manufacturing in India.

According to Lithun, the Noemi aircraft’s composite wings will mitigate seawater corrosion that limits the life of current amphibians. He sees significant potential for the aircraft in India with missions including emergency medical support, regional air services, cargo flights, and special operations.

"The Noemi MoU is an important initiative for us, particularly as we look at the future of sustainable aviation and seaplane operations in India," said Pawan Hans chairman and managing director Sunil Nagdawne.

Connecting Coastlines across Asia

Noemi is also pursuing anticipated demand in other parts of Asia with the long coastlines across Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia seen as having great potential. On August 12, the company signed an MoU with Philippines-based operator Horizon Sun Charters for up to five of its seaplanes, including three firm orders and options for two more.

“The geography of the Philippines makes a very strong case for seaplanes,” Lithun said. “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.”

In India, Noemi has found that civil aviation officials see an urgent case for encouraging new seaplane services. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued new seaplane guidelines that align with the country’s regional connectivity scheme that will give PH and other operators scope to apply for subsidies to support routes.

“The [civil aviation] minister wants things to happen fast, and discussions are underway for an experimental flight of the firefighter variant that has no passengers, to ensure a risk-free flight,” Lithun added. The hybrid aircraft can carry three tonnes of water or fire retardant and scoop directly from water bodies or reload from airfields.