SkyHop Aviation has signed a memorandum of understanding with Noemi Aerospace to introduce up to 15 of the Norwegian company’s electric amphibious aircraft into its fleet as it builds India’s first dedicated seaplane network.

Under the MoU, SkyHop and Noemi will evaluate the technical, operational, commercial and regulatory requirements for bringing the aircraft into SkyHop’s fleet. SkyHop plans to connect the islands of Lakshadweep with each other and with the mainland, and is targeting a fleet of up to 40 aircraft by FY2030. The initial phase covers up to 10 Noemi aircraft by FY2030 through purchase, lease or a combination of both, subject to operational suitability, regulatory approval, commercial evaluation and definitive agreements, with an option for five further aircraft dependent on the successful introduction of the first units.

Avani Singh, founder and CEO of SkyHop Aviation, says: “India’s seaplane opportunity goes far beyond connecting one destination to another. With our vast coastline, islands, rivers and lakes, seaplanes can fundamentally change how we connect regions where conventional airport infrastructure is difficult or impractical to build.”

Singh adds: “Ultimately, our ambition is for SkyHop to help build the seaplane ecosystem in India, not simply operate within it. That means looking at the aircraft we fly, the infrastructure we create, the technology we adopt and, over time, the opportunity to manufacture and assemble these aircraft in India.”

The agreement also leaves scope for a broader partnership, including potential future manufacturing and assembly of electric and hybrid Noemi aircraft in India, subject to further evaluation and separate agreements. It follows Noemi’s MoU with Pawan Hans, India’s leading helicopter operator, signed earlier this month in the presence of Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Ji and Ministry Secretary Shri Samir Kumar Sinha Ji. That agreement referenced government plans for a Seaplane VGF Scheme and manufacturing incentives set out in the Union Budget 2026, part of a wider push under the UDAN regional connectivity programme for around 150 new seaplane routes. Noemi’s nine-passenger amphibious aircraft is designed to operate from water and conventional runways, with entry into service targeted for 2030.