Regent Craft, a US developer and manufacturer of seaglider vessels, worked with HITRANS, the Highlands and Islands regional transport partnership, to examine opportunities for Seaglider operation in Scotland.

The collaboration centred on data sharing and evaluation of how Seaglider craft might strengthen the transport network, offering both environmental advantages and easier travel for passengers.

“Our work with HITRANS is an exciting opportunity to showcase to Scotland and the Highlands communities the potential human and environmental benefits Seaglider vessels could have on coastal transportation,” says Adam Triolo, VP of commercial business development at Regent. “Regent's Seaglider technology is an all-electric sustainable solution that could transform the way people transit this area of natural beauty. The HITRANS team are leading an important and innovative mission in the region, and we look forward to growing this partnership together.”

“This is a hugely exciting prospect for transport in the Highlands and Islands. Regent is bringing much needed innovation to coastal transportation, which has the potential to transform how people travel across the Highlands and Islands in the future,” adds David Holden, regional sustainable aviation manager at HITRANS. “We look forward to continuing to collaborate and help to realise the vision of Seaglider travel for the people of Scotland.”

Regent’s Viceroy Seaglider can carry 12 passengers and two crew. At 55ft long with a 65ft wingspan, the craft is designed to operate exclusively over water using hull, hydrofoil or ground effect flight modes. Regent says it will be the largest all-electric flying machine, offering faster, lower-cost and more sustainable travel than existing alternatives.