Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Electric flying boats ready for UK take off

The UK’s only commercial seaplane service and the first scheduled seaplane airline in Europe since the 1950s, Loch Lomond Seaplanes, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Norway’s Elfly Group for two nine-seat NOEMI (No Emission) seaplanes, with an option to acquire three more.

Image courtesy Elfly Group

The commitment represents a major milestone in forging a new era of efficient, sustainable air travel which will revitalise routes across Scotland and the rest of the British Isles, showcasing the potential of electric aviation in linking regional communities, efficiently and sustainably.  
 
Collaboration between the two companies will not only introduce electric aviation to Scotland but also focus on advancing operational excellence, regulatory advocacy and the development of a supportive infrastructure for seaplane operations.
 
The NOEMI seaplane, with its 200km (125 miles) range, amphibious design and a 200km/h (125mph) cruising speed, will be able to connect major population hubs separated by five or six hour-long train rides with a 45-minute flight and help unlock the latent economic potential in coastal communities.
 
Since 2004 Loch Lomond Seaplanes (LLS) has flown almost 200,000 passengers, more than 1.9 million miles around Scotland. Based next to the five-star Cameron House Hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond, in the heart of Scotland’s first national park, the company is regarded as one of the world’s foremost seaplane operators.  
 
Over the years. LLS has operated Cessna 208 Caravan floatplane flights to numerous destinations in the UK and across Scotland without the need for runway scarred landscape or giant concrete terminal buildings.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

Loch Lomond Seaplanes is led and owned by Managing Director and founder David West, who has accrued more than 50 years’ aviation experience (as a pilot and in management in legacy and regional aviation with roles at Cathay Pacific, British Midland and EUROAIR).  

David is a world-renowned seaplane expert with accomplishments including assisting the UK Civil Aviation Authority on the introduction of new regulations to enable the introduction of large seaplanes on scheduled routes. He supported the Croatian Government with new seaplane regulations to enable the start of scheduled seaplane flights in 2014 and advised the Indian Government on commencing seaplane operations in India. He has also accrued 24,000 commercial flying hours.

Advertisement
ODU RT

David West commented: “The NOEMI seaplane represents a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.  Our passengers have long cherished the experience of flying over Scotland’s scenic landscapes and now we can offer this experience with a dramatically reduced environmental impact. There is huge demand for a “flying boat” style seaplane, and one that produces no emissions is all the better.”

Eric Lithun. CEO of Elfly Group commented: “This is a terrific partnership with huge potential. David West is a legendary figure in the seaplane arena, whose many years of experience across the globe will help us to make the NOEMI the best possible aircraft for short haul flying. With his expertise and our technology, the future of regional aviation in the UK is bright.”

Advertisement
PTC PTC
Lars Wagner to become CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft

Aerospace

Lars Wagner to become CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft

10 July 2025

Lars Wagner, currently Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTU Aero Engines AG, based in Munich, will join the Airbus Executive Committee and succeed Christian Scherer as CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business, effective 1st January 2026.

Avelia to transform into multiple SAF supplier solution

Aerospace

Avelia to transform into multiple SAF supplier solution

10 July 2025

One of the largest suppliers of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), Shell Aviation, along with Accenture and American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), has announced today that Avelia is in the process of evolving into an industry solution with independent data hosting and a multisupplier model helping users access the greenhouse gas (GHG) ...

AI firms collaborate with Heathrow to enhance operations

Aerospace

AI firms collaborate with Heathrow to enhance operations

9 July 2025

Heathrow is harnessing advanced technology to make aircraft ground operations faster, smarter and more seamless across 116 gates at Terminals Two, Three and Five, as part of a strategic collaboration with IAG and Assaia.

Viasat test boosts business jet in-flight connectivity

Aerospace

Viasat test boosts business jet in-flight connectivity

8 July 2025

Viasat today announced a milestone for its JetXP business aviation in-flight broadband service, following recent test flights that successfully connected the Global Aero Terminal (GAT) 5510 to a ViaSat-3 satellite for the first time.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 advances student innovation

Aerospace

ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 advances student innovation

8 July 2025

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced major student and faculty achievements resulting from the use of ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 Flight Simulator, which provides hands-on experience in aircraft design and performance evaluation, directly contributing to a growing body of student-led research and academic ...

Birmingham Airport sees busiest ever June

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport sees busiest ever June

8 July 2025

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has had its busiest June ever, with a record 1,360,957 passengers travelling through the airport last month.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT