VET Airways has signed a memorandum of understanding for five of Elfly Group’s all-electric Noemi amphibious aircraft, in a deal valued at US$50 million. Backed by parent company Vireak Buntham Express, the Cambodian operator intends to pioneer sustainable air transport across Southeast Asia.

“There’s a huge market for seaplanes in Asia,” says Neak Oknha Suo Vireak, CEO of Vireak Buntham Express Co. Ltd. “The amphibious Noemi can fly straight from airports to the coast and out-compete road transport, which is important as we are looking into using it in our logistics network too.”

The order brings Elfly’s total soft commitments to 52 aircraft, as interest grows from operators in Denmark, Greece, Indonesia, Panama and now Cambodia. The Noemi is designed for short take-off and landing, with recent test flights and wind tunnel analysis validating its handling and efficiency.

VET Airways intends to use the Noemi to link lakes, rivers and coastal areas. The aircraft’s short take-off and landing performance, confirmed by KTH wind tunnel tests and a successful 1:5 model flight, is expected to be key in the region.

The Noemi is set for full-scale first flight in 2027, with entry into service planned for 2030.