EVIA AERO has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with US aircraft developer Tidal Flight for the Tidal Polaris Amphibian, a hybrid-electric amphibious aircraft designed to take off and land on water as well as conventional runways.
“EVIA AERO intends to introduce up to 20 Polaris aircraft to Europe as an early launch customer under an MOU that includes ten firm positions plus ten options,” says Tidal in a press release. “EVIA AERO’s ambition is to be among the very first operators to fly the type once it enters service, subject to EASA validation and a definitive purchase agreement.”
“The Polaris is a hybrid-electric amphibian: batteries and electric propulsion are paired with onboard generators, so shorter legs can be flown fully electric while the hybrid system extends range on longer sectors. Tidal Flight’s design is single-pilot capable and is being configured to carry up to 13 passengers.”
EVIA AERO and Tidal Flight have begun a joint operational study of European city- and island-pairs. Early candidates being modelled include:
- Valletta – Gozo (Malta) — a short inter-island connection, flown fully electric
- Helsinki – Stockholm — a ~215 nm crossing of the Baltic
- Amsterdam – London — a ~200 nm link between two waterfront capitals
- Lake Zurich – Monaco — a lake-to-Riviera flight with direct access to Monaco waterfront
For more information
(Image: Tidal Flight)