Innovation Norway awards NOEMI 3 million Euros for electric amphibious aircraft flight test programme

NOEMI Aerospace secured 3 million Euros from Innovation Norway to support the flight test programme for its electric amphibious aircraft, advancing what could become the world's first certified electric amphibious aircraft for commercial passenger transport. The public funding will be matched by 4 million Euros from private investors, bringing the total funding for the flight test programme to 7 million Euros. The award marks an important milestone for NOEMI and for the development of a new global category in zero-emission regional aviation.

The funding will support the flight test programme for NOEMI’s first aircraft, one of the most critical phases in the development of a new aircraft. The programme includes testing on the ground, on water and in the air, from the first system tests to first flight and the subsequent flight test campaign. 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 commented: “Not only are we building a new aircraft, we are developing a new Norwegian industry. The flight test programme is one of the most important phases of the project and where we will demonstrate the technology at full scale. Innovation Norway’s support validates the progress we have made, reduces project risk and reinforces to investors and industry partners that this technology has significant international potential.” 

At NOEMI’s development and test facility at Torp Sandefjord Airport (TRF/ENTO), the company’s first full-scale test aircraft is now being built. Production of the wing is well underway. Motors, inverters and battery systems are in place, and the test rig for the electric drivetrain will be in operations from August. NOEMI anticipates that it will roll out the test aircraft within the next 12 months and complete the first flight by the end of 2027.

NOEMI’s electric amphibious aircraft is designed to operate from both water and land, without the need for new infrastructure. The platform is designed for electric regional passenger transport, but can also be used for cargo, medevac services, search and rescue, military operations, firefighting and other critical missions.

Developing new aviation technology requires significant long-term investment. For technology companies with long 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 stated: “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 said: “For NOEMI, this is about more than financing. A grant of this size is strong external validation of our technology, the team and the market potential. It provides increased confidence for existing owners and new investors and strengthens our position in the international fundraising process towards certification and market introduction.” 

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 added: “Norway has the prerequisites to take a leading role in new zero-emission aviation solutions. To succeed, we must help ensure that the technology is developed, tested and commercialised here at home. NOEMI is a strong example of a project with the potential to create both new industry and new export opportunities.”