SkyHop Aviation Partners with NOEMI Aerospace to Pioneer India’s Seaplane Revolution
In a landmark move aimed at transforming India’s regional connectivity, domestic carrier SkyHop Aviation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Norwegian manufacturer NOEMI Aerospace to acquire up to 15 state-of-the-art amphibious aircraft. This strategic partnership aligns with India’s ambitious national goal to establish one of the world’s most extensive seaplane networks.
Scaling for the Future: A Fleet for 2030
As India’s first dedicated seaplane operator, SkyHop is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable regional aviation. The agreement stipulates the introduction of 10 NOEMI amphibious aircraft by 2030, with an option to expand the fleet by an additional five units.
SkyHop CEO Avani Singh has articulated a vision that extends beyond mere operations. “Our ambition is to help build the seaplane ecosystem in India,” Singh stated. “This means looking at the aircraft we fly, the infrastructure we create, the technology we adopt, and, over time, the opportunity to manufacture and assemble these aircraft here in India.”
Initial operations are slated to focus on vital maritime links, specifically connecting the Lakshadweep islands to the Indian mainland. By fiscal year 2030, the company aims to operate a fleet of up to 40 aircraft, significantly enhancing accessibility to India’s vast network of coastlines, rivers, and lakes.
The “One Platform, Multiple Missions” Advantage
The NOEMI aircraft—an acronym for “No Emissions”—is a versatile, fully electric amphibious platform designed to operate from both water surfaces and traditional tarmac runways. Capable of carrying nine passengers and up to two pilots, the platform is engineered for flexibility. Beyond commercial passenger transport, the aircraft can be configured for diverse missions, including medical evacuations, search and rescue, firefighting, and government operations.
For NOEMI Aerospace, the partnership with SkyHop is a major commercial win, pushing their global order pipeline to over 90 aircraft. Eric Lithun, founder and CEO of NOEMI, noted that the collaboration confirms his company’s alignment with India’s evolving aviation strategy. “We are seeing India put real effort into turning its seaplane strategy into reality,” Lithun said. “There is clear government ambition, a major programme for new seaplane routes, and operators preparing to expand their fleets.”
A Synergistic Economic Path
The agreement follows a period of strengthening economic and industrial ties between India and Norway, bolstered by high-level diplomatic engagements including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway in May.
The timing is auspicious for both parties. The Indian government’s UDAN regional connectivity programme has already identified approximately 150 potential seaplane routes. By integrating these amphibious assets, India intends to bridge the gap in regions where traditional airport infrastructure remains impractical or costly to construct.
Proven Momentum
NOEMI Aerospace, formerly known as the Elfly Group, has been rapidly accelerating its development since its launch in 2023. Headquartered in Bergen, Norway, the company has successfully completed sub-scale flight testing and secured crucial pre-application contracts with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
With $20 million in secured funding—half of which comes from the Norwegian government—the manufacturer is currently building a full-scale prototype. Validation flights for their demonstrators are expected to commence in 2027 and 2029, setting the stage for a seamless entry into the Indian market by the turn of the decade. As the country moves toward a sustainable, water-based transport future, the collaboration between SkyHop and NOEMI positions India to become a pivotal global hub for amphibious aviation.
