Nordic Seaplanes to buy up to 15 Elfly Noemi amphibious aircraft
September 25, 2024
Nordic Seaplanes has expressed its intention to purchase up to 15 of Elfly Group’s all-electric Noemi aircraft, a move which would see the dedicated seaplane operator become the world’s first Noemi airline.
The all-electric amphibian will initially be offered in a nine-passenger configuration, aiming to offer “mobility that is fast and safe along coastal areas,” explained Elfly CEO and founder Eric Lithun. “Collaborating with this well positioned European partner, with its wealth of operational experience here and overseas, makes a lot of sense. We can learn much from them about operating in a challenging environment and together we can aim to tap seaplane markets beyond Scandinavia”.
An order for five amphibious aircraft (with an option for ten more), valued at a total $150 million, would support the growing demand for Nordic Seaplanes’ services. These currently include a 45 minute connection between Denmark’s two biggest cities (Copenhagen and Aarhhus) alongside daily sightseeing trips and charter flights – with Nordic Seaplanes carrying an estimated 13,000 passengers a year.
With an entry into service date before the end of the decade, the fully composite airframe Noemi will be offered in two variants; a flying boat and an amphibian, both with an initial configuration for nine passengers. Its cruise speed is estimated to be somewhere in the region of 108kts with a max takeoff weight of 5670kg. “We’re really walking behind giants when it comes to these kinds of products in the aviation realm,” explained Elfly co-founder and CTO Tomas Brødreskift, referencing the DHC-6 aircraft currently in use by Nordic Seaplanes. However, unlike the Twin Otter, the Elfly will feature a ‘flying boat’ hull – something which brings unique benefits such as less drag whilst in flight.
“By the end of the year, we’ll come out with some finalised solutions what will be a little bit more optimised around the aerodynamics of the plane to reach that energy goal] that we need to reach,” continued Brødreskift. With Elfly hoping for a battery density of 400 watt hours per kilo for its upcoming 2027 test aircraft, Brødreskift is nevertheless confident there is “production today in battery packs that are reaching 340”. No powertrain or battery partners have yet been announced.
