Elfy "Noemi": an electric powered seaplane from Norway

[Stargazer]

​

Of all the current flying boat and amphibian projects in the works across the world, this one is the most likely to become a reality in the very near future. During a press event in Copenhagen on 24 September, Norway’s Elfly announced that Nordic Seaplanes, Europe’s only scheduled seaplane operator, will be the launch customer for its Noemi (meaning ‘no emissions’) electric aircraft with an order for five and an option for ten more. Noemi is envisaged as a nine-seat electric powered seaplane to capitalise on ‘coastal air mobility.’ It will be passenger-ready in 2030.​

More information on the company' official website:
https://el-fly.no/electric-seaplanes/

 

[Apophenia]

A very cool project. And, as with the HYNAERO Frégate-F100 waterbomber you posted, a sort of Canadian connection here too. Harbour Air moving on the eBeaver should have been Viking's cue to create a 'eTwotter' powered by similar magniX 'electric propulsion units'. But no ...

Prior to the MoU being signed for the Nordic Seaplanes Copenhagen-to-Aarhus route, Elfly's Lithun was complaining that potential investors couldn't really understand what Elfly was trying to do with this flying boat. He did mention 'soft funding' (grants?) from Oslo and further support from the government of Gotland.

Elfly is also getting development funding from Norges forskningsråd (the Research Council). Still, with the horse-choking amounts of dosh in Norway's sovereign wealth fund, I'm surprised that they haven't coughed up to support an alternative clean-energy initiative like Noemi ... unless that is what that 'soft funding' reference meant.

https://www.laranews.net/nordic-seaplanes-to-become-first-operator-of-elflys-noemi-aircraft/
https://www.flightglobal.com/airfra...lane-amid-investment-dry-spell/159591.article
https://cleantechnica.com/2024/07/1...-electric-seaplane-for-zero-emission-flights/

 

[riggerrob]

Is that door large enough to accept the LD3 baggage containers that are increasing in popularity among the over-night courier business?

I suspect that the second iteration will get larger tip-floats. ... just the musings of an eyeball engineer.

 

[Foo Fighter]

It used to be a 'thing' that wing floats retracted, is this seen as a positive or negative these days?

 

[Stargazer]

It used to be a 'thing' that wing floats retracted, is this seen as a positive or negative these days?

Why should it be seen as something negative? Underslung floats add drag, so if you can retract them in flight, all the better, right? What were the arguments of the anti-retraction folks?

 

[Apophenia]

Is that door large enough to accept the LD3 baggage containers that are increasing in popularity among the over-night courier business?

I seriously doubt it. I haven't seen dimensions for the Noemi but this is a 13 passenger aircraft - so, 65% the capacity of a Twin Otter. And the standard cargo door on a DHC-6 (1.42 x 1.27 m) is far too small for an LD3 (1.56 x 1.53 x 1.63 m).

 

[Joint Soviet Fighter]

Is Kristi getting her own airline?

 

[Foo Fighter]

Why should it be seen as something negative? Underslung floats add drag, so if you can retract them in flight, all the better, right? What were the arguments of the anti-retraction folks?

I think that some consider the additional weight and complexity less valuable. ISTR the Catalina has retracts and a few others. Cannot recall any others actually flying now though.

 

[Stargazer]

Elfly signs contract with EASA for development of Noemi aircraft​

Norway’s Elfly Group has signed a contract with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to develop a conceptual prototype of its Noemi (No Emissions), a clean-sheet, all-electric commercial seaplane.
This development follows the recent conclusion of the Concept-Freeze-Review (CFR) of the aircraft prototype.
The next step towards first flight of the full-scale aircraft includes interactions and technical discussions with the Agency.
The EASA Pre-Application Contract (PAC) agreement allows Elfly Group to take the initial step with the agency towards achieving the first flight of the full-scale Noemi conceptual prototype aircraft.
The PAC between Elfly and EASA covers the entire process of prototype development covering the agreement on the flight conditions necessary for the aircraft’s Permit-to-Fly.
The PAC is structured to reflect a type certification process. This helps both Elfly and EASA to familiarize the development and test activities towards the target for certification.
This PAC involves agency review from the very beginning of the core development activities involving Technical Familiarization, Design, Manufacturing, Test activities and eventually agreement on the flight conditions for the prototype aircraft.
David Solar, head of sustainability, research and innovation, EASA said, “We’re pleased to take this important first step with Elfly through the Pre-Application Contract process. The Noemi project represents an exciting and ambitious vision for the future of sustainable aviation, and we look forward to supporting Elfly as they progress towards a safe and flightworthy prototype. Collaborative early engagement is key to enabling innovative new aircraft like Noemi to reach the market in a safe and timely way.”
Elfly has amassed soft orders for 47 Noemis, worth an estimated $500 million with further interest for 300 more from operators from all over the world. The company is working toward the first flight of the conceptual prototype in 2027. Entry into service has a target year 2030.

Source: Business Airport International, 24 June 2025

 

[UpForce]

A very recent video with members of the NoEmi team discussing the state of their projects. Interesting but somewhat hard to follow at times due to audio; good insight into the small-ish community operating seaplanes around the World, working in a small aviation startup and so on. The design seems to be largely locked in.

View: https://youtu.be/IzgG1OdWNF8