Tidal’s Hybrid-Electric Seaplane Chosen by Tropic Ocean Airways
On February 17, 2025, Tidal Flight entered into a significant deal with Tropic Ocean Airways, signing a Letter of Intent for the acquisition of 20 of their state-of-the-art hybrid-electric Polaris amphibian seaplanes, valued at over $100 million. This partnership promises to reshape air travel with enhanced efficiency and sustainability.
According to Tidal Flight, their hybrid powertrain technology is designed to reduce takeoff noise by approximately 20 decibels, while significantly improving fuel efficiency by an impressive 85%. Jude Augustine, Co-Founder and CEO of Tidal Flight, explained, “Seaplanes provide an exceptional opportunity for direct, low-infrastructure access to urban centers, coastal locations, and remote communities. Our aircraft represents a transformative reduction in operating costs and fuel consumption, enabling greater accessibility with minimal emissions.”
Rob Ceravolo, Founder and CEO of Tropic Ocean Airways, emphasized the advantages of this partnership: “Tidal’s quiet and comfortable hybrid-electric aircraft aids us in achieving our sustainability objectives while offering improved services for our customers without sacrificing range, payload, or cruising speed. The Polaris notably enhances our revenue potential and reduces operational costs, ensuring that our business remains viable while integrating electrification.”
For related developments, consider the notable progress in hybrid-electric aviation:
- SWITCH hybrid-electric GTF engine preliminary design review completed
- Electra’s inaugural hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft flight
- Ampaire’s Electric EEL sets new hybrid flight endurance record of 12 hours
As the demand for sustainable air travel continues to rise, innovations like Tidal’s hybrid-electric seaplane present compelling solutions for the future of aviation.
At the forefront of military and commercial aerospace, Tidal Flight is poised to make significant contributions to the industry’s evolution toward greener technologies.
