Pawan Hans Limited (PHL), a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, signed a Non-Binding Memorandum of Understanding with Norway's Noemi Aerospace (Elfly AS) to explore opportunities for collaboration in next-generation sustainable aviation technologies, particularly electric seaplane solutions. The MoU was signed in the presence of Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and Ministry Secretary Shri Samir Kumar Sinha, with Pawan Hans CMD Shri Sunil Kumar Nagdawne and Noemi Aerospace CEO Shri Eric François Lithun executing the agreement.
The proposed collaboration establishes a framework for exploring potential cooperation in electric seaplane technologies, skill development and capacity building, technical knowledge sharing and workshops, and feasibility studies. The initiative aligns with the Government of India's vision of promoting regional connectivity, green aviation, innovation-led growth, island connectivity, and emerging aviation technologies.
Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized that the collaboration reflects the broader vision of strengthening indigenous capabilities and exploring emerging technologies. He stated that the government's vision extends beyond operating seaplanes in India to manufacturing them domestically under Prime Minister Modi's Make in India initiative. The Union Budget 2026 proposes incentives to indigenize seaplane manufacturing and introduces a Seaplane VGF Scheme to support operations. The minister noted that over the last two years, the government has taken concrete steps including launching dedicated Seaplane Operations Guidelines, simplifying the regulatory framework, and conducting demonstration flights.
Noemi Aerospace, headquartered in Bergen, Norway, is engaged in developing next-generation electric seaplane technology and receives funding from the Norwegian government for its development program. The MoU is explicitly exploratory and does not involve any financial commitment, procurement commitment, investment obligation, or exclusive arrangement. Any future collaboration will require separate definitive agreements and requisite approvals from competent authorities under applicable laws and Government of India procedures.