Elfly Group, which is developing the all-electric seaplane programme ‘Noemi’ (No Emissions) has moved into its new home at Torp (Sandefjord) Airport in Norway. The airport is the largest privately-owned air transport hub in the country.
Housed in the airport’s expansive hangar, Elfly’s new base features 1,160 sqm office and workshop space and it is here that the company plans to build the first full-scale ‘Noemi’. Elfly is developing a full-scale prototype of its seaplane in collaboration with the Norwegian Government, having secured funding from Enova SF. Plans are on track to commence the build this summer and Elfly’s team now includes 30 senior engineers, with recently joined recruits from Airbus, Pilatus Aircraft, HondaJet, Dornier Seawings and Heart Aerospace.
Expressing his delight at the arrival of Elfly, Gisle Skansen, CEO of TORP Sandefjord Airport, said: “We at Torp are thrilled of the news that Elfly has chosen our airport as their hub for developing next generation seaplanes. Torp is encouraging Elfly in its efforts to introduce zero-emission aircraft, as electric planes undoubtedly will contribute towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly aviation. We look forward to following their progress very closely as a valued new tenant.”
Owned by the municipality of Sandefjord and Vestfold country, together with Vestfold Flyplassinvest AS, the airport is situated just over 100km southwest of Oslo, with a full-scale NATO standard runway. As well as various charter flights, it is currently served by Wideroe, Ryanair, airBaltic, Norwegian and Wizz Air. Elfly’s new neighbours at the airport will also include the Norwegian Air Ambulance and its expanding fleet of emergency medical services (HEMS) H135 and H145 helicopters, as well as several flying schools and training establishments and Wideroe’s Dash 8-Q400 maintenance facility.
“Torp Airport is an excellent new location for us to build and engineer, while we retain our business unit in Bergen,” said Elfly founder and CEO Eric Lithun. “It affords us plenty of space to grow for testing and also as we ramp up our team this year. Moreover, the airport’s dynamic management are very enthused by our plans to return seaplane travel to the fjords and lakes of Norway – and beyond, using electric power. Our goal is to fly the first Noemi prototype in 2026.”
