Pawan Hans, Noemi Aerospace Explore Electric Seaplanes
Pawan Hans has signed an MoU with Norway's Noemi Aerospace to explore electric seaplane technology, supporting India's goals of green aviation, regional connectivity, indigenous manufacturing, and innovation in sustainable air mobility.
Pawan Hans Limited (PHL), which is owned by the government and provides helicopter services, has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Elfly AS (Noemi Aerospace) from Norway. The MoU is intended for exploring cooperation in the field of electric seaplane technology, as well as other sustainable aviation technologies that are going to be implemented in the near future.
The MoU was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Minister of Civil Aviation, India, and Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Civil Aviation, India. The MoU was signed by Sunil Kumar Nagdawne, Chairman and Managing Director of Pawan Hans, and Eric François Lithun, Chief Executive Officer of Noemi Aerospace. The alliance is aimed at laying down a framework for future collaboration without making any financial, procurement, investment, or exclusive commitment.
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As per the agreement, both parties will collaborate to explore the potential areas in electric seaplane technology, knowledge sharing, feasibility study, skills training, capacity building, and industry workshops. The agreement is aimed at enhancing India’s competence in new-age aviation technologies and fostering research in the area of sustainable air mobility. Any future project generated out of the above discussions will have to go through the formalities separately.
Addressing the event, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the partnership was in line with the vision of the government to develop local capabilities in cutting-edge aviation technology. It was noted that the aim of India is not just to operate seaplanes but to manufacture them locally in line with the 'Make in India' campaign. The minister further mentioned that the Union Budget 2026 has provisions for incentives in indigenous manufacturing of seaplanes along with a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for seaplane operations.
It is pertinent to point out here that there have been various policy measures adopted by the government within the last two years in order to ensure the adoption of seaplanes. This includes the formulation of special guidelines for Seaplane Operations, reduction of the regulatory environment and conducting demonstration flights throughout the nation. With the help of an international technology partnership and the developing manufacturing capacity in India, it will be possible to make India the hub for sustainable seaplanes operations.
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Located in Bergen, Norway, Noemi Aerospace specializes in developing state-of-the-art electric seaplane technology under the patronage of the Norwegian government. It is anticipated that the know-how of electric propulsion and amphibian aircraft of Noemi Aerospace will synergize well with the rich operating experience of Pawan Hans in helicopter and regional air operations. The joint venture aims at exploring the feasibility of utilizing electric seaplanes for short haul and sustainable aviation services in India.
This partnership is in sync with the larger objectives of India such as ensuring environmentally friendly transport options, better connectivity in the region, and fostering innovation-based growth in the field of civil aviation. If this pilot project succeeds in becoming commercially viable, it will help bring about electric seaplanes and thereby reduce the carbon footprints as well as connect hard-to-reach areas in the region.
