Cambodia Enters Green Aviation Era with $50 Million Electric Seaplane Deal: VET Airways and Elfly Group Lead the Charge
In a major leap toward climate-friendly aviation, Cambodia’s VET Airways has signed a $50 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Norway-based Elfly Group for the acquisition of five NOEMI electric seaplanes. The agreement, which boosts Elfly’s global order book to 52 aircraft, firmly aligns Cambodia with eco-forward nations like Denmark, Greece, Indonesia, and Panama in the fast-expanding green aviation movement.
The partnership signifies Cambodia’s entry into the zero-emissions aviation space, a sector gaining traction as both environmental urgency and technological readiness converge.
NOEMI: A Next-Generation All-Electric Amphibious Aircraft
The NOEMI aircraft—short for No Emissions Marine Innovation—is a state-of-the-art electric amphibious seaplane engineered to take off and land on both water and land. It’s designed specifically for coastal regions, island nations, and remote communities where traditional airport infrastructure is lacking or unsustainable.
With zero emissions, low-noise operation, and Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities, NOEMI represents a cleaner, quieter, and more accessible future for regional air mobility across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Parallels with Global Green Aviation Leaders
Cambodia joins a growing list of countries embracing electric aviation technology. Denmark and Greece have already committed to early adoption of the NOEMI platform for inter-island and coastal routes, while Indonesia and Panamaview the aircraft as a solution for archipelagic and tourism-dependent regions.
The total pipeline for NOEMI aircraft now exceeds $550 million, with further expressions of interest valued at $3 billion—evidence of surging global demand for sustainable flight.
From Prototype to Production: Key Technological Milestones
Elfly’s development strategy has accelerated in recent months. A 1:5 scale NOEMI model, with a 4.5-metre wingspan, completed its first successful demonstration flight over Norway’s fjords. The test confirmed the aircraft’s water landing stability, takeoff efficiency, and aerodynamic control—validating performance parameters for full-scale development.
Additionally, wind tunnel testing conducted in a top European aerospace facility showed low-drag, high-efficiency aerodynamics, while Elfly’s digital flight simulator, now powered by real-world data, is being used to enhance pilot training and engineering precision.
The NOEMI design has reached a major development milestone known as “conceptual freeze”—locking in its final structural layout and clearing the path for detailed production planning. The team is now working on avionics integration, materials selection, and cabin configurations to ready the aircraft for full-scale manufacturing.
Eyes on 2027: First Full-Scale Flight Targeted
According to Elfly’s internal timeline, the first full-scale NOEMI prototype flight is scheduled for 2027, with commercial service launch targeted for 2030—a timeline that positions the aircraft as one of the world’s first certified all-electric amphibious aircraft.
Aviation industry observers view this as a bold but achievable target, especially considering Elfly’s regulatory momentum. The company has already signed a Pre-Application Contract Agreement (PAC) with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)—a crucial regulatory step toward flight certification and future global deployment.
A Catalyst for Regional Air Mobility in Cambodia
For Cambodia, the NOEMI fleet is poised to revolutionize air connectivity across its inland lakes, river systems, and coastal tourism zones. VET Airways aims to use the aircraft to enhance regional connectivity, particularly in destinations such as Tonlé Sap, Sihanoukville, and Koh Rong—locations where traditional airports are limited or infeasible.
“This partnership marks Cambodia’s first major move into green aviation, and we are thrilled to be among the early adopters of zero-emission seaplanes in Asia,” a VET Airways spokesperson said. “We believe NOEMI will help us develop sustainable, affordable, and reliable air mobility for underserved regions.”
Global Impact: Environmental and Economic Significance
The environmental implications are significant. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), aviation currently accounts for 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions—a figure expected to rise unless disruptive technologies are deployed. NOEMI’s electric propulsion and modular scalability could reduce emissions in regional aviation by up to 80% compared to turboprop alternatives.
The ripple effects extend to local economies. By providing low-impact access to remote areas, NOEMI can support tourism development, inter-island commerce, and emergency response operations—especially in developing countries and regions vulnerable to climate change.
Conclusion: A Global Green Aviation Milestone with Cambodian Roots
VET Airways’ $50 million agreement with Elfly Group represents more than just an aircraft order—it’s a strategic investment in Cambodia’s sustainable aviation future. As demand grows for environmentally responsible transport, the NOEMI electric seaplane project stands as a pioneering effort to make clean aviation a global reality.
With innovation rooted in Norway and eyes set on Southeast Asia, Elfly’s NOEMI is set to redefine short-haul aviation for decades to come. As 2025 approaches, the collaboration between Cambodia and Elfly highlights the urgency—and promise—of decarbonizing the skies.
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