Elfly Group reveals all-electric seaplane NoEmi

Norway’s Elfly Group has revealed the design of its all-electric commercial seaplane, NoEmi.

An abbreviation of ‘No Emission’, the aircraft was unveiled via a full-scale cabin virtual reality (VR) tour in Oslo yesterday. With a prototype due to take flight in 2025, Elfly’s design is part of a research project, funded by private investors and the Research Council of Norway. The aircraft will be capable of 200km journeys whilst flying at up to 250km/h, with entry into service targeted for 2030. The seaplane, featuring a non-pressurised cabin, will be powered by two electric motors with up to 1MW combined output. Noemi will also feature a large cargo door and its cabin will be fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Elfly plans to attain an operator’s certificate and bring the first aircraft into service, initially connecting the fjords of Norway — of which there are over 1,000. The firm wants 15 aircraft flying along the west coast of the country by 2030. “Thereafter, we could expand into other short hop markets, considering that 80% of the world’s population live by the sea,” said Eric Lithun, CEO of Elfly.

“Our goal is to bring innovation to the whole supply chain and make the process as seamless as possible,” added Eric, a technology entrepreneur who has invested in several start-up companies. He founded Elfly in 2018 in Bergen. The Noemi is a modern-day amphibious aircraft with lithium batteries and an electric engine, inspired by the venerable de Havilland Twin Otter and Grumman’s Mallard – ‘two great flying machines’,” he said.

Elfly is working to obtain certification for its EG1A test vehicle to CS23 Level 4, which will enable the aircraft to evolve up to a 19-seat seaplane. Noemi, however, is being offered in three cabin layouts. As a business cabin with nine seats, plus luggage; complemented by a VIP layout with six seats, so it can be chartered. There is also tourist pleasure flight model with 13 seats. Cargo and medevac versions are also planned.