Regent has received a strategic investment from HIS Group, one of Japan's largest travel agencies.

Regent seagliders are hydrofoiling wing-in-ground effect craft that operate exclusively over water. They represent a new category of maritime vessel combining the high speed of an aircraft with the low operating cost of a boat. These all-electric, zero-emission vessels leverage existing dock infrastructure to carry people and goods up to 180 miles with current battery technology.

Regent is currently developing the Viceroy, a model capable of accommodating up to 12 passengers, with plans to conduct manned flight testing in 2024 and to commence the commercial operation by mid-decade. Looking ahead to the end of the decade, Regent aims to debut the Monarch, a larger model capable of accommodating up to 100 passengers. Regent has already secured pre-order contracts for over 600 units from the airline and maritime traffic industries.

HIS aims to not only support Regent in bringing seagliders to market but also to create captivating travel experiences for its customers.

"During Regent's recent tour of Japan we experienced first-hand the ways in which people are connected by water and how that connection permeates daily life," says CEO Billy Thalheimer. "Regional mobility, specifically regional coastal mobility, is critically important there, making Japan a truly perfect market for seagliders. We're thrilled to be partnering with HIS to accelerate the adoption of this innovative and environmentally friendly technology in the tourism industry."

In addition to the investment, one of the key initiatives enabled by this partnership is the development of recommendations for integrating seaglider technology into Japan's infrastructure, particularly in the tourism sector. These recommendations will focus on enhancing travel experiences, promoting sustainable tourism practices and leveraging seaglider technology to unlock new tourism opportunities along Japan's picturesque coastlines.