The amphibious advantage: India’s SkyHop inks deal with NOEMI

In line with India’s broader plans to develop one of the world’s largest seaplane markets, the country’s dedicated seaplane operator, SkyHop, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Norwegian firm NOEMI Aerospace (formerly Elfly Group) to acquire up to 15 of its amphibious aircraft.

SkyHop plans to introduce 10 NOEMI amphibious aircraft in 2030

As India’s first dedicated seaplane operator, SkyHop plans to introduce up to 10 NOEMI aircraft by 2030 through purchase, lease, or a combination of both.  If all goes according to plan, the MoU also includes the option to add five more of NOEMI’s amphibious aircraft to SkyHop’s fleet.

As part of its plans to build a dedicated seaplane network in India, SkyHop’s initial operations will focus on connecting the islands of Lakshadweep and the mainland. The company is targeting a fleet of up to 40 aircraft by FY2030.

With entry into service for NOEMI’s amphibious aircraft targeted for FY2030, its introduction into SkyHop’s operations will depend on regulatory approvals, commercial evaluations and operational suitability.

The two companies will also explore opportunities for a broader strategic partnership, including the potential to manufacture and assemble electric and hybrid aircraft in the future.

SkyHop’s ambition ultimately is not just to operate within the seaplane ecosystem in India, but to help build it. “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,” said Avani Singh, Founder and CEO of SkyHop Aviation

She underlined that as well as becoming one of the world’s largest markets for seaplanes, India could become “an important global hub for the industry.”

The amphibious aircraft advantage

“India’s seaplane opportunity goes far beyond connecting one destination to another,” said Singh.

Designed to land and take off from water and tarmac runways on dry land, amphibious aircraft appeal to communities living on or near water. Globally, 71% of the world is covered by water. According to Max Pinucci, founder of design company MBVision, there are also one million miles of coastline, 4.2 million sq. km. of lakes, and more than three million miles of rivers.

Why does India hold so much potential for seaplane operations?

Referencing India’s own vast waterways via its coastline, islands, rivers and lakes, Singh added that seaplanes can “fundamentally change how we connect regions where conventional airport infrastructure is difficult or impractical to build.”

Through the Indian Government’s UDAN regional connectivity programme, plans are underway for around 150 new seaplane routes, creating a unique opportunity for sustainable regional aviation.

For NOEMI, the agreement with SkyHop marks a commercial milestone for the Norwegian amphibious aircraft developer as it looks to expand its presence in India.

NOEMI’s fully electric amphibious aircraft

NOEMI’s first aircraft is being developed as a fully electric amphibious aircraft that can operate from both water and conventional runways. It is designed to carry nine passengers and one or two pilots. The platform can also be adapted for hybrid-electric or conventional fuel-based propulsion.

Touted as a “one platform, multiple missions” aircraft, the NOEMI platform can be adapted for passenger transport, cargo applications, medical evacuation, search and rescue, government operations and firefighting.

With agreements now spanning operators and markets across Europe, North America and Asia, the agreement with SkyHop brings NOEMI’s commercial pipeline to more than 90 aircraft.

“We are seeing India put real effort into turning its seaplane strategy into reality,” said Eric Lithun, Founder and CEO of NOEMI Aerospace. “There is clear government ambition, a major programme for new seaplane routes, and operators preparing to expand their fleets. Our agreement with SkyHop is an important confirmation that NOEMI fits the direction this market is taking.”

As India and Norway look to strengthen economic and industrial relations, the agreement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Norway in May.

NOEMI’s co-founder and chief investment officer, Eirik Sandal, explained that the company’s development in India is particularly important because “several pieces are coming together at the same time.”

He also noted that government policy, infrastructure development, established aviation partners and new commercial operators are all moving in the same direction. “Being involved at this stage gives NOEMI a strong position in what could become the world’s largest seaplane market.”

NOEMI’s flight path to date

Headquartered in Bergen, Norway, with design and manufacturing at Torp Sandefjord Airport, NOEMI launched in 2023. Originally named Elfly Group, it was officially renamed NOEMI Aerospace earlier this year after the aircraft itself – NOEMI stands for ‘No Emissions’. The manufacturer has broadened its scope to include hybrid-electric/ turboprop variants aimed at military and special operations, alongside the core passenger version.

In 2024, Nordic Seaplanes became the launch customer for NOEMI when it signed an MoU to order five amphibious aircraft. This was followed in July 2025 with an order from Cambodian carrier VET Airways for five NOEMI seaplanes for US$50 million.

A month earlier, in June, a sub-scale 1:5 flight test of a 4.5m wingspan model was completed in the Norwegian fjords. NOEMI also signed a pre-application contract (PAC) with EASA during the Paris Air Show that same month.

A full-scale prototype build is now underway, and in July 2026, NOEMI secured €3 million in funding from Innovation Norway for its flight-test programme. This investment was matched by €4 million from private investments.

To date, the company has secured $20 million – $10 million from the Norwegian government, while the remaining $10 million has come from Lithun and his co-investors. Lithun has previously confirmed that validation flights of NOEMI demonstrators TAC1 and TAC2 are expected by the end of 2027 and 2029, respectively.