NOEMI Aerospace Secures Million Euros to Advance Electric Amphibious Aircraft Development

NOEMI Aerospace has secured 30 million Norwegian Kroner (€3 million) from Innovation Norway to support flight testing of its electric amphibious aircraft. This funding will aid in the development of what could become the world's first certified electric amphibious aircraft for commercial passenger transport.

The award represents a significant milestone for NOEMI Aerospace and the advancement of a new global category in zero-emission regional aviation. The funding will support the flight test program for NOEMI’s first aircraft, one of the most critical phases in the development process. This program includes testing on the ground, on water, and in the air, from initial system tests to the first flight and subsequent flight campaigns. The results will document the aircraft’s performance and characteristics, forming the basis for certification and commercial operations.

Eric Lithun, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NOEMI Aerospace, stated, “Not only are they building a new aircraft, but they are also developing a new Norwegian industry. The flight test program is one of the most important phases of the project and will demonstrate the technology at full scale. Innovation Norway’s support validates the progress made, reduces project risk, and reinforces to investors and industry partners that this technology has significant international potential.”

First Full-Scale Test Prototype Takes Shape at Torp

At NOEMI’s development and test facility at Torp Sandefjord Airport (ENTO), the company’s first full-scale test aircraft is under construction. Production of the wing is well underway, with motors, inverters, and battery systems already in place. The test rig for the electric drivetrain is expected to be operational by August.

NOEMI anticipates rolling out the test aircraft within the next 12 months and completing its first flight by the end of 2027. The electric amphibious aircraft is designed to operate from both water and land without requiring new infrastructure. While primarily intended for electric regional passenger transport, the platform can also be adapted for cargo, medevac services, search and rescue, military operations, firefighting, and other critical missions.

Public Funding Unlocks Private Capital

Developing new aviation technology requires substantial long-term investment. For companies with extended development timelines, the interaction between public and private capital is essential to bring new technology from development to market.

Leon Bakkebø, Director of Financing at Innovation Norway, commented, “This grant is the highest awarded to a single project so far this year and illustrates both the risk and the great potential of the project. Innovation Norway’s role is to contribute where the market alone is not sufficient. For companies developing new technology with global ambitions, public risk capital can be crucial in unlocking private capital and moving projects into the next phase.”

Eirik Sandal, Co-founder and Chief Investment Officer of NOEMI Aerospace, added, “For NOEMI, this is about more than financing. A grant of this size is strong external validation of their technology, team, and market potential. It provides increased confidence for existing owners and new investors and strengthens their position in the international fundraising process toward certification and market introduction.”

Building a New Norwegian Export Industry

The project combines Norwegian and international expertise in aviation, advanced composite materials, electric propulsion systems, and high-tech manufacturing. The ambition is to establish a new export industry based in Norway, addressing a growing international market for zero-emission regional aviation.

Lene Sælen, Senior Adviser at Innovation Norway Vestland, stated, “Norway has the prerequisites to take a leading role in new zero-emission aviation solutions. To succeed, they must ensure that the technology is developed, tested, and commercialized here at home. NOEMI is a strong example of a project with the potential to create both new industry and new export opportunities.”

Eric Lithun and Stephen Bendrey, Chief Engineer and Head of Design at NOEMI Aerospace, will be attending the Farnborough Air Show on Tuesday, July 21, and Wednesday, July 22, 2026. For more information about the event, visit Farnborough Air Show.