UrbanLink Secures $200 Million Deal for Elfly’s NOEMI Electric Seaplanes to Transform Coastal Travel
By Marcel Van Leeuwen
UrbanLink Air Mobility has entered into a strategic partnership with Norway’s Elfly Group to acquire up to 20 NOEMI electric amphibious aircraft, a move set to revolutionize sustainable regional travel. This agreement, valued at approximately $200 million, positions the Florida-based operator as a primary launch customer for the world’s first all-electric commercial seaplane.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on January 19, 2026, includes an initial commitment for 10 firm orders and options for an additional 10 units. Under the leadership of aviation entrepreneur Ed Wegel, UrbanLink intends to integrate these zero-emission aircraft into its expanding multi-modal network. The service will initially focus on connecting coastal hubs such as Miami, Los Angeles, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, where existing waterways provide ready-made infrastructure for amphibious operations.
The NOEMI (No Emissions) aircraft features a highly versatile amphibious design, allowing it to operate from both conventional airport runways and water surfaces like rivers, lakes, and harbors. Built with advanced composite materials, the aircraft can carry nine passengers or one tonne of cargo while promising a 50% reduction in maintenance and operating costs compared to legacy seaplanes. Its quiet, electric propulsion system is specifically designed to bypass noise restrictions that often limit air traffic in densely populated coastal city centers.
“The NOEMI aircraft fits naturally into our vision for clean, connected regional mobility,” stated Ed Wegel, Founder and CEO of UrbanLink. “Its unique amphibious capability and electric propulsion make it a compelling and efficient solution for linking coastal and island communities that have been underserved by traditional aviation for decades.”
Looking ahead, Elfly Group is moving toward full-scale prototype development with a target for Type Certification and entry into service by 2030. For UrbanLink, this deal adds a critical “third leg” to its fleet, complementing its existing orders for eVTOL aircraft and electric sea vessels. The company is inviting regional stakeholders to collaborate on the charging infrastructure necessary to support this new era of zero-emission flight.
By securing this significant order, UrbanLink and Elfly are signaling a major shift in how regional markets approach environmental sustainability. As the industry watches the development of the NOEMI prototype, the success of this partnership could pave the way for a global resurgence in seaplane travel, powered by clean energy.
