The UK’s only commercial seaplane service has committed to leading the way with a new generation of zero-emission, electrically powered, passenger-carrying aircraft.

Loch Lomond Seaplanes (LLS), the first scheduled seaplane airline in Europe since the 1950s, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Norway’s Elfly Group for two nine-seat Noemi (No Emission) seaplanes, with an option to acquire three more. The commitment represents a major milestone in forging a new era of efficient, sustainable air travel that will revitalise routes across Scotland and the rest of the British Isles, showcasing the potential of electric aviation in linking regional communities, efficiently and sustainably.

Collaboration between the two companies will not only introduce electric aviation to Scotland, but also focus on advancing operational excellence, regulatory advocacy and the development of a supportive infrastructure for seaplane operations.

With its 200km (125m) range, amphibious design and 200km/h (125mph) cruising speed, the Noemi seaplane will be able to connect major population hubs separated by five or six hour-long train rides with a 45-minute flight and help unlock the latent economic potential in coastal communities.

Since 2004 LLS has flown almost 200,000 passengers more than 1.9 million miles around Scotland. Based next to the five-star Cameron House Hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond in the heart of Scotland’s first national park, the company is regarded as one of the world’s foremost seaplane operators.

Over the years, LLS has operated Cessna 208 Caravan floatplane flights to numerous destinations in the UK and across Scotland without the need for runway-scarred landscape or giant concrete terminal buildings.

LLS is led and owned by managing director and founder David West, who has accrued more than 50 years’ aviation experience as a pilot and in management in legacy and regional aviation with roles at Cathay Pacific, British Midland and EuroAir.

West is a world-renowned seaplane expert with accomplishments that include assisting the UK CAA on the introduction of new regulations to enable the introduction of large seaplanes on scheduled routes. He supported the Croatian government with new seaplane regulations to enable the start of scheduled seaplane flights in 2014 and advised the Indian government on commencing seaplane operations in India. He has also accrued 24,000 commercial flying hours.

He comments: “The Noemi seaplane represents a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Our passengers have long cherished the experience of flying over Scotland’s scenic landscapes, and now we can offer this experience with a dramatically reduced environmental impact. There is huge demand for a ‘flying boat’ style seaplane, and one that produces no emissions is all the better.”

Eric Lithun, CEO of Elfly Group, adds: “This is a terrific partnership with huge potential. David West is a legendary figure in the seaplane arena, whose many years of experience across the globe will help us to make the Noemi the best possible aircraft for short-haul flying. With his expertise and our technology, the future of regional aviation in the UK is bright.”