Elfly Group and EASA sign pre-application contract for development of Noemi seaplane prototype

Norwegian aviation innovator Elfly Group (Elfly) has signed a pre-application contract (PAC) with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for the development of its Noemi (No Emissions) conceptual prototype aircraft. The agreement was formalised on June 18, at the Paris Air Show, with Elfly Group's founding CEO Eric Lithun and EASA's David Solar signing the contract.

The Noemi is a clean-sheet, all-electric commercial seaplane designed for zero-emission regional travel. The PAC marks a significant step in Elfly Group's journey towards eventual type certification of the aircraft by 2030. It formalises the company's commitment to work closely with EASA throughout the development and testing phases.

The agreement follows the recent completion of the concept-freeze-review (CFR) of the prototype. It enables technical engagement and collaboration with EASA as Elfly progresses towards the first flight of the full-scale aircraft. The PAC structure mirrors a traditional type certification framework and covers all aspects of prototype development, including design, manufacturing, testing and agreement on flight conditions required for the aircraft's permit-to-fly.

This early involvement of EASA is intended to ensure full technical familiarisation and regulatory alignment from the outset of the development process. The collaboration will provide a foundation for efficient progression through subsequent stages of testing and certification.

The signing of the PAC reflects both parties' shared commitment to supporting innovative, sustainable aviation solutions and advancing the electrification of regional air mobility in Europe.