Indian-Norwegian companies to explore potential cooperation in Electric seaplane technologies
Pawan Hans Limited (PHL) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation has signed a Non-Binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Noemi Aerospace (Elfly AS), Norway, to explore opportunities for collaboration in next-generation sustainable aviation technologies, including electric seaplane solutions.
The agreement was signed by Sunil Kumar Nagdawne, Chairman & Managing Director, Pawan Hans Limited, and Eric François Lithun, Chief Executive Officer, Noemi Aerospace (Elfly AS), Norway. It was signed in the presence of Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Samir Kumar Sinha, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said on 5 Aug.
The proposed collaboration seeks to establish a framework for exploring potential cooperation in the areas like Electric seaplane technologies, Skill development and capacity building, technical knowledge sharing and workshops, feasibility studies.
The initiative aligns with the Government’s vision of promoting regional connectivity, green aviation, innovation-led growth, island connectivity and emerging aviation technologies.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said, “This collaboration reflects our broader vision of encouraging strengthening indigenous capabilities and exploring emerging technologies in the civil aviation sector.”
Ram Mohan Naidu elaborated, “Our vision is not limited to operating seaplanes in India; we also want to build them in India guided by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Make in India vision. Further the Union Budget 2026 strongly puts forward the government’s vision for Seaplane promotion. It proposes to give incentives to indigenize manufacturing of seaplanes. A Seaplane VGF Scheme will be also be introduced to provide support for operations. If we combine global technology partnerships with Indian manufacturing capability, then we can cater to the local and regional demand for Seaplanes.”
He continued, “Over the last two years, the Government has taken several concrete steps to promote seaplanes in the country. We launched dedicated Seaplane Operations Guidelines, simplified the regulatory framework and also conducted a demonstration flight across the country to encourage the stakeholders.”
Noemi Aerospace (Elfly AS), headquartered in Bergen, is engaged in the development of next-generation electric seaplane technology and is supported by funding from the Norwegian Government for its development programme.
The MoU is exploratory in nature and does not involve any financial commitment, procurement commitment, investment obligation or exclusive arrangement. Any future collaboration arising from these discussions will be subject to separate definitive agreements and the requisite approvals of the competent authorities, in accordance with applicable laws and the Indian Government procedures.
The initiative reflects Pawan Hans Limited’s continued commitment to innovation, operational excellence and supporting India’s evolving aviation ecosystem through strategic international partnerships, the Ministry said. fiinews.com
