Loch Lomond Seaplanes (LLS) has announced plans to start scheduled flights using the new Noemi electric amphibious aircraft being developed by Norwegian start-up Elfly. On March 17, the companies signed a memorandum of understanding covering provisional orders for two of the nine-seaters, plus options for another three.

Since April 2004, LLS has operated a Cessna 208 Caravan floatplane on flights around Scotland from its base next to the five-star Cameron House Hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond. The private company intends to replace this with the Noemi when it enters service by 2030.

The Noemi is expected to have a range of around 109 nm and operate at a 109-knot cruise speed. According to Elfly and LLS, it could provide connections to coastal communities in the UK that would provide a convenient alternative to train rides of five or six hours in duration. The operator has yet to announce exactly which routes its scheduled services will cover.

LLS was founded by its managing director David West, who has extensive airline management experience with Cathay Pacific, British Midland and Euroair, and has logged 24,000 commercial flight hours. The operator has already flown almost 200,000 passengers on flight totalling 1.9 million miles around Scotland, from its base in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, which is around 25 miles north west of Glasgow.

West has worked with the UK Civil Aviation Authority on the introduction of new regulations to support the introduction of larger seaplanes on scheduled routes. He has also supported air safety regulators in India and Croatia.

“The Noemi seaplane represents a perfect blend of tradition and innovation,” West commented. “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.”