Elfly Group, the Norway-based developer of the Noemi (no emissions) all-electric seaplane programme, is to pursue the development of zero-emission regional aviation with Lofoten in a private-public partnership for sustainable development in the archipelago of Arctic Norway.

The contract was signed in Lofoten by the islands’ sustainability programme contributing parties Lofotkraft, Destination Lofoten and Lofoten Regional Council, on behalf of the six Lofoten municipalities of Røst, Værøy, Moskenes, Flakstad, Vestvågøy and Vågan.

The group recognises that Elfly’s ambitions can contribute to Norway achieving its goals for domestic aviation to be emission-free by 2040, and that Elfly can help Lofoten become a pilot region for zero-emission aviation. Lofoten is an early mover embracing the UN’s climate goals under its roadmap for the Lofoten Green Islands.

“We are very proud to have the Lofoten Regional Council on board with us on this journey as we work to develop a product that suits their needs in the region, supporting travel and tourism, but also addressing the local transport needs for Lofoten inhabitants. This agreement shows that with our electric seaplane concept we meet that need and that we have interested customers. Seaplanes will return,” says Elfly CEO and founder Eric Lithun.

Head of the Lofoten Regional Council Vidar Thom Benjaminsen is enthusiastic about electric aviation, even participating in the seaplane’s first trips. He says: “Lofoten is a spectacular but demanding geographical area where ground transport takes a long time. An electric aircraft capable of landing on water in a safe and good way, affordably priced, will be very good for Lofoten. We can travel from Svolvær to Reine in less than half an hour and make much better connections with larger regional centres.”

Mayor of Moskenes Hanna Sverdrup adds: “Electric seaplanes with boat hulls and good stability can add exciting new travel opportunities. Our fishing villages can be connected by seaplane from port to port and they can help open new business opportunities for Reine, our most popular and iconic destination.”

“With ambitions to be a pilot region for emission-free aviation, this collaboration gives Lofoten valuable exposure in global arenas. Here we demonstrate Lofoten is ahead of the curve embracing future-oriented technological developments in aviation,” says Jonny Finstad, mayor of Vestvågø.

CEO of local utility company Lofotkraft Arnt M Winther comments: “At Lofotkraft, we are in the process of expanding power and charging solutions in the ports of Lofoten, and look forward to working with Elfly.”