Noemi Aerospace Strengthens Position in India With Skyhop Agreement For Up To 15 Aircraft
NOEMI Aerospace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SkyHop Aviation, India’s first dedicated commercial seaplane operator, to start with the introduction of up to 15 NOEMI amphibious aircraft into the Indian market.
The agreement represents another important commercial milestone for NOEMI in India, one of the world’s most promising emerging markets for seaplane operations.
This latest milestone follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway and the subsequent invitation to meet Honorable Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Ji to discuss the significant potential for seaplane operations in India.
The agreement provides NOEMI with early engagement with government-backed seaplane operations as India moves forward with an ambitious national strategy for regional connectivity.
“We are seeing India put real effort into turning it’s seaplane strategy into reality. This is the beginning of a strong new market,” 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. We are very proud of the momentum we are building together in India.
India is emerging as one of the world’s most attractive future markets for amphibious aviation. Through the Government of India’s UDAN regional connectivity programme, plans are underway for approximately 150 new seaplane routes, creating a unique opportunity for sustainable regional aviation.
SkyHop is building a dedicated seaplane network in India, with initial operations focused on connecting the islands of Lakshadweep with each other and with the mainland. The company is targeting a fleet of up to 40 aircraft by FY2030.
Under the MoU, SkyHop and NOEMI will evaluate the technical, operational, commercial and regulatory requirements for introducing NOEMI aircraft into SkyHop’s future fleet.
The collaboration will also explore opportunities for a broader strategic partnership in India, including the potential for future manufacturing and assembly of electric and hybrid NOEMI aircraft in the country. Any such cooperation would be subject to further evaluation and separate agreements between the parties.
SkyHop plans to introduce up to 10 NOEMI aircraft by FY2030 through purchase, lease or a combination of both, subject to operational suitability, regulatory approvals, commercial evaluation and definitive agreements. The agreement also includes an option for 5 additional aircraft, subject to the successful introduction of the initial aircraft.
“India’s seaplane opportunity goes far beyond connecting one destination to another. With our vast coastline, islands, rivers and lakes, seaplanes can fundamentally change how we connect regions where conventional airport infrastructure is difficult or impractical to build,” said Avani Singh, Founder and CEO of SkyHop Aviation.
“Our immediate priority is to build a safe, reliable and scalable seaplane network across India. As we build that network, we also have an opportunity to think ahead about what the next generation of the fleet should look like. Electric and hybrid aircraft could become an important part of that transition, particularly for short regional routes, and our partnership with NOEMI allows us to begin evaluating that opportunity today.”
Avani Singh continued: “Ultimately, our ambition is for SkyHop to help build the seaplane ecosystem in India, not simply operate within it. That 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 in India. We believe India has the potential to become not only one of the world’s largest markets for seaplanes, but also an important global hub for the industry.”
The agreement comes at a time of strengthening economic and industrial relations between India and Norway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Norway in May highlighted closer cooperation between the two countries in trade, technology and the green transition, building on the Free Trade Agreement between India and the EFTA countries.
For NOEMI, this partnership marks an important step in expanding its presence in India.
“The development we are seeing in India is particularly important because several pieces are coming together at the same time,” said Eirik Sandal, Co-founder and Chief Investment Officer of NOEMI Aerospace. “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.”
The SkyHop agreement also adds to NOEMI’s rapidly growing commercial position internationally. With agreements now spanning operators and markets across Europe, North America and Asia, the company’s announced commercial pipeline represents more than 90 aircraft.
Asia is becoming an increasingly important market for NOEMI. Across India and Southeast Asia, the geography, as well as the growing demand for regional connectivity create strong opportunities for amphibious aircraft.
NOEMI’s first aircraft is being developed as a fully electric amphibious aircraft for regional passenger transport, with the ability to operate from both water and conventional runways. Designed to carry nine passengers and one or two pilots, the platform can also be adapted for hybrid-electric or conventional fuel-based propulsion.
Built around a “One platform. Multiple missions.” strategy, the NOEMI platform is being developed for passenger transport and a range of additional applications, including cargo, medical evacuation, search and rescue, government operations and aerial firefighting.
Entry into service is targeted for 2030.
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