Pawan Hans signs MoU with Noemi Aerospace on electric seaplanes

Pawan Hans Limited signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Norway-based Noemi Aerospace on 5 August 2026 in New Delhi to explore electric seaplane technology and other sustainable aviation solutions. The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha.

Electric Seaplane Technology

Electric seaplanes are aircraft designed to take off and land on water and use electric propulsion systems. Such aircraft are linked with short-haul regional connectivity, amphibious operations, and low-emission aviation research.

MoU Scope and Institutional Roles

The MoU covers technical knowledge sharing, workshops, feasibility studies, skill development, and capacity building. Pawan Hans Chairman and Managing Director Sunil Kumar Nagdawne and Noemi Aerospace Chief Executive Officer Eric François Lithun signed the agreement.

Noemi Aerospace and Project Details

Noemi Aerospace is headquartered in Bergen, Norway, and is developing a nine-passenger electric seaplane. The company secured 30 million Norwegian Kroner, or about €3 million, from Innovation Norway for flight testing, with a target of first flight by the end of 2027 and commercial service in 2030.

Important Facts for Exams

• Pawan Hans Limited is a government-owned helicopter operator in India.
• The MoU is exploratory and does not create financial commitment, procurement obligation, investment commitment, or exclusivity.
• Noemi Aerospace was formerly known as Elfly AS.
• The company began its electric seaplane project in 2021 and started construction of its first full-scale prototype by May 2026.

Policy and Manufacturing Context

The Indian government has linked seaplane development with the Make in India initiative and indigenous manufacturing. The Union Budget 2026 included incentives for domestic manufacturing and a Viability Gap Funding scheme for seaplane operations.