Neelam Mathews

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.
<h2>Connecting Coastlines across Asia</h2>
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.&nbsp;“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.”
<img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/NOEMI_PawanHans_2.jpeg" data-entity-uuid="8be26759-c548-4371-9328-641e4b259733" data-entity-type="file" width="824" height="705" loading="lazy">
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.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Noemi Taps Seaplane Demand in India and Philippines

Indian officials are reportedly willing to encourage new seaplane services 

Helicopter operator Pawan Hans and charter group Horizon Sun Charters are working with Noemi on plans to operate its electric amphibious aircraft.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

ATR 72 aircraft performs pre-modification flight in Toulouse

Kepplair Starts Converting ATR 72 Into Water Bombers

Curt Epstein

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Only the piston aircraft segment posted a decline

GAMA: Bizjets, T-props, and Rotorcraft Deliveries Up

Hanneke Weitering

Two captains held the prototype 33 feet above the water for 30 seconds

Regent Flies Electric Seaglider with Crew for First Time

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Icing approval would open year-round service to northern communities

Horizon Begins Icing Tests for Cavorite X7 eVTOL

Kerry Lynch

Deal to close this year

Bombardier To Grow Manufacturing Capacity with MHICA Buy

David Donald

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

The two NATO allies will purchase seven of the tanker/transport aircraft

Spain and Poland Agree to Buy A330MRTT Tanker Transports

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

GE Aerospace has tested the GE9X, Leap 1A, Leap 1B, and more with the 747.

GE Aerospace Flies Boeing 747 To Test New Engine Tech

Charles Alcock

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

More In Aircraft