Photo: Elfly
US-based zero-emission mobility company UrbanLink has selected the NOEMI electric amphibious aircraft for its planned seaplane operations.
The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding for up to 20 of the amphibious aircraft in a deal estimated to be worth USD 200 million. UrbanLink is developing an integrated zero-emission transport network across air, sea and ground with initial hub cities including Miami, Los Angeles and San Juan.
Explaining how NOEMI fits naturally into UrbanLink’s vision for clean, connected regional mobility, Ed Wegel, Founder and CEO of UrbanLink, noted: “Its amphibious capability and electric propulsion make it a compelling and efficient solution for linking coastal and island communities.”
Unlike traditional seaplanes, which are designed to take off and land on solid ground and modified for operations on water, the NOEMI electric amphibious aircraft can operate from both land and water runways. Critically, this unlocks access to coastlines, rivers, lakes and harbours – the natural runways that cover 70% of the planet.
According to NOEMI Founder and CEO, Eric Lithun, Florida offers a perfect starting point for amphibious aircraft operations. “With its extensive coastlines, islands and waterways, it is one of the best places in the world to unlock the full potential fo electric seaplane travel,” he said.
The company is commencing full-scale prototype development of the NOEMI, with Lithun confirming that with this latest MoU Elfly has now secured soft orders for more than 70 of its amphibious aircraft, spanning five continents.
