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 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 its 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 program 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 program, 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 five additional aircraft, subject to the successful introduction of the initial aircraft.

“India’s seaplane opportunity goes far beyond connecting one destination to another,” said Avani Singh, Founder and CEO of SkyHop Aviation. “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.

“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.”

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.”

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.

Japanese electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developer SkyDrive and partners Air India and Suzuki are assessing eVTOL routes for time-critical medical and aviation logistics in Mumbai and the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR).