25 Electric Sea Gliders are being invested to speed up coastal commuting.
Ocean Flyer, along with US aerospace company, REGENT (Regional Electric Ground Effect Naval Transport) is launching a project that introduces 25 electric Sea Gliders to potentially ease commuting in New Zealand. The deal involves a $700 million purchase of the latter’s first commercial models.
Ocean Flyer said that the project will launch in 2025, to travel between the centers of many New Zealand coastal cities. The sea gliders are described as electric flying ferries, their speed is comparable to that of an aircraft, but the operating costs are more similar to a boat, according to REGENT.
Shah Aslam, the Ocean Flyer owner said that “This is a gamechanger for Kiwi travellers. Electric sea gliders emit no carbon and are just as fast and comfortable as current aviation options,” he also added: “It will also open up options for communities which are currently under-serviced by existing operators, if they are even served at all. This is an extraordinary opportunity to bring competition and choice to Kiwi travellers while doing the right thing by the environment and communities.”
According to Ocean Flyer, their services can travel routes such as Wellington-Christchurch from $60 per seat, Auckland and Whangarei at $30 per seat. Aslam also said that Auckland-Waiheke would be a 12-minute trip starting at $12, while Wellington-Blenheim would be a 25 minute journey starting at $25 per seat.
The deal with REGENT is to acquire 15 Viceroys that can hold up to 12 passengers each and 10 Monarchs which can hold up to 100 passengers each.
