REGENT seagliders appear destined to become a huge success as the company now says that it has booked $7B in orders.
Seagliders will bring welcome relief for travelers [in] coastal communities such… the Hawaiian Islands. — REGENT CEO Billy Thalheimer.
Even with many issues unanswered, including safety for marine animals and specifics related to Hawaii weather and ocean conditions, these aircraft will unquestionably be headed to Hawaii soon. The manufacturer proclaimed that “Seagliders will be a game-changer for sustainable regional transportation in communities such as Hawaii… They will also be making their way to New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. REGENT said that “There has not been a new mode of transportation since the helicopter. This is the next great moment in the history of human transportation.”
REGENT had its first electric seaglider concept test flights last fall at Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. At the time of the seaglider technology demonstrator, both Hawaiian Airlines and Mokulele Airlines were already committed to the venture. The first successful flight proved its mission to “float, foil, fly.” It is the first of its kind sustainable, high-speed maritime transportation to become airborne as a controlled hydrofoil and then transform into being wing-borne while flying. We’ve attached that major step, successful flights video below.
The first test flights were demonstrations remotely controlled without a person on board. It also was a quarter-scale prototype with an 18-foot wingspan. REGENT is now targeting the development of a 65-foot wingspan, full-scale prototype. Piloted human-carrying sea trials are expected to begin next year. The 100-passenger, likely Hawaiian Airlines-destined version will take flight by 2029, which is amazingly soon.
How the REGENT seaglider works.
When the electric wing-in-ground effect vehicle first departs the dock, it functions similarly to a traditional boat. Upon leaving the harbor area, as speed increases, it transitions to rise on a hydrofoil, which skims along on the water surface. In open water, however, the craft lifts off the water to within a wingspan of the water (65′). The hydrofoil is then retracted, and the vehicle accelerates to full cruising speed. It is a unique hybrid of airplanes and boats, featuring advanced digital flight control and traditionally simple boat controls. Seagliders are said to have operational efficiencies and payload capability far greater than traditional aircraft. This is the first-ever vehicle to successfully operate in three modes of maritime operation, floating, foiling, and flying.
“Seagliders will slash the cost and time of regional trips.”
All-electric, wing-in-ground-effect vehicles are capable of high-speed maritime travel up to 200 mph. REGENT says that the operating costs of the vehicle are more similar to a boat, whereas the specs are a combination of those of both planes and boats. They can travel up to a distance of 180 miles on current battery technology, and REGENT expects to achieve a greater range of as much as a 500-miles subsequently.
Japan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines partner with REGENT.
REGENT has had tremendous interest, and investors include not only Hawaiian Airlines but also Japan Airlines, Mokulele Airlines, and Mesa Airlines. Other partners onboard are Split Express, FRS, Ocean Flyer, Brittany Ferries, Southern Airways (in addition to Mokulele), and Fly The Whale. Partners include airlines, ferry companies, and ocean logistics.
In May 2022, Hawaiian Airlines first announced it was investing in the REGENT Monarch 100-passenger craft. They were the first U.S. development partner. Mokulele, on the other hand, through its parent company Southern Airways Express, signed on as a Regent customer two years ago. Mokulele has purchased 15 of the 12-passenger Viceroy craft plus 5 of the 100-passenger Monarch craft.
Of interest in Hawaii, the boats/planes are set to operate from harbor to harbor rather than use airports like traditional air travel. This could thus become the next generation of elusive Hawaii ferries for coastal transit. In addition, the company says that it offers a smooth ride and significant wave tolerance, even in rough ocean conditions.
When they announced the REGENT partnership, Hawaiian CMO Avi Mannis said, “Innovative interisland transportation has been core to our business since 1929 when we replaced steamships with airplanes. We are excited to be an early investor in REGENT and to be involved in developing their largest seaglider – a vehicle with great potential for Hawaii.”We look forward to working with REGENT to explore the technology and infrastructure needed to fulfill our vision for convenient, comfortable, and environmentally sustainable interisland transportation.”
Japan Airlines invests $40m+ in REGENT seaglider.
Last week Japan Airlines announced its strategic investment in REGENT. That came as the company has already booked over $5 billion in orders to date.
JAL’s innovation fund will invest over $40 million in this step towards integrating the seaglider concept with JAL’s aircraft network.
“This strategic investment speaks to the growing adoption of seaglider technology by major airlines. At REGENT, we’re at the helm of ushering in a completely new era in sustainable transportation, and JAL Innovation Fund’s investment gives us the resources and support that we need to unveil an innovative approach for regional travel at lower costs, faster speeds, and zero emissions.” — REGENT CEO Billy Thalheimer.
Yasushi Noda, JAL’s Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Digital Innovation said the carrier is excited to partner with REGENT.
“We are very pleased to make this investment in REGENT from our CVC, JAL Innovation Fund. We believe seagliders are a safe, sustainable, and economical solution, and we are excited to work with REGENT to assess demand not only in Japan but around the world. We are delighted to add seagliders to JAL’s list of new challenges and are honored to work with REGENT to explore the possibilities of seagliders.” — Yasushi Noda, JAL.
REGENT has sold 400+ seagliders to date.
Regent’s electric seaglider now has amassed hundreds of orders from various industry partners around the world, two of which are in Hawaii.
Boston-based startup REGENT was created by co-founders Billy Thalheimer and Mike Klinker, both MIT graduates who are the company’s CEO and CTO.
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Nice to see how it works, hoping it can make inter island commute more convenient.
How can a person book for the two smaller versions already in Hawaii.
On one hand we hear all the bad news, travel is down, no-one will ever come again to Hawaii. And here we have all this neat hi-tech stuff…supersonic flights to the islands and high speed inter-island travel options. Very exciting!!! Of course we all remember the ill-fated SuperFerry. What will happen? I’m optimistic, and gonna stay tuned!!!
Aloha Baby!!!!
Please do marine life safety studies before we kill even more marine animals.
Comically temporary. EVTOL’s will be more versatile, can land and take off anywhere, add floats for coastal landing routes, etc., and are generally more advanced techologically and logistically more reliable than this could ever be. The only advantage this will have is if it very temporarily is FAA compliant for passenger travel before EVTOLs are and change the world as we know it. This is a grad project gone wild,,; too little too late but it’s founders are set for life anyway. Wow.
Wow, Can’t wait to try it!
Where else can you have an opportunity to get air-sick and sea-sick on thee same trip?
Never underestimate the power of the for-profit whale-watching tour industry to kill this, via the Hawaii Supreme Court, if they have to. That’s exactly what they did, via repeated requests for more EIS’s (Environmental Impact Statements), until they got the one they wanted. I’ve lived this movie before as a Maui resident, aka the Hawaii Super-Ferry. It’s similar concept works great in & around Seattle, since 1951, in carrying 17 million passengers per year on 21 ferry boats. Any vessel traveling at high speed, for any length of time whatsoever, can be said to be a hazard to migrating whales (except May through September) and to swimmers (365). This thing sounds like fun, but I don’t think I’ll see it here in Hawaii in my lifetime.
Would this fall under the FAA and be under the guidance of air traffic controllers? So like there is a runway 8W at HNL, there would be runways at different ports? It’s interesting and worth exploring, or at least some of the airline think so….
What is the risk to marine life in its path before it becomes airborne and upon “reentry”?
Pretty cool! Not sure I like the ending of the video though . . . as the camera sinks! LOL!
On a serious note – I certainly get the concept of electric flight, but not so sure about the water. I assume it’s simply another attempt to reduce operating costs associated with airports, but I’ll bet at the end of the day there will be plenty of other new restrictions, insurance, and other water-to-air-to-water related flight costs. Also, I could see the possibility for far more weather related delays or flight cancellations.
You are right. Weather delays just as we had with the ferry. I hope they thoroughly think this thru. Landing areas, appropriate docks, and enlarging marinas. Competing for airspace with sightseeing helicopters. So many concerns and they aren’t minor. BTW, will we buy flight insurance or boating insurance? Lol.
I’m curious how these will handle rough seas and high winds. How long will it take them to reach that 65 foot altitude? 65 feet will mean they wouldn’t be able to fly above a storm. The ill- fated ferry didn’t do so well in rough water. I hope that Hawaii won’t be taken for a ride — another big investment without a happy ending.
The devil sin the details. The Superferry looked like a slick idea until the unintended consequences of environmental destruction, whale strikes and cost overruns became apparent. Not to mention political insensitivity. Potential, yes. Something to watch very closely. Thanks for making it available to see.
Pardon the typo (sin). Funny how possibly prophetic it is, though.
Mahalo Beat of Hawaii for your help with understanding this situation.
I can honestly say that I will never, ever utilize that method of transportation.
It’s more horrifying than the choppers that continue to crash while underestimating our environment.
Whales, dolphins, other life forms that tend to be in and on the water will suffer injury and death.
I love you guys, please don’t be amongst the first passengers!!
I’m tapping out on that concept and that’s my opinion. For whatever it’s worth.
Aloha and blessings always 🌺🌺🌺
Hi Pam.
Thanks. You got it. We won’t go first. How are you feeling? We’ve been thinking of you.
Aloha.
Mahalo for your thoughts!
I’m still fighting the Kraken, but with encouragement from family and friends like you, how could I lose?
Keep up the great work, you’re incredible assets to this big blue planet.
Aloha and blessings always 💗 🌺
This is a new venture and with every new venture comes with it new problems, issues and hurdles. I think the world is so money hungry and power focused that they have forgotten about the smaller things that matter to people such as the sealife, the dangers and how much money it would tax a city that is already suffering from the many
Huge projects that are sucking the city of Honolulu dry such as the 16 billion dollar rail and soon to be 350 to 400 million dollar stadium. If this project venture is for the people, will the tickets be affordable, will the jobs it creates pay over $18.00 an hour. These are questions we would like to know so not just the company but the people of hawaii can benefit.
Good Day,
How long is the expected takeoff ‘roll’?
What are the projected landing and takeoff areas in Hawaii? I am sure it will require sheltered harbors as the Pan Am Clippers did. This is very interesting technology but it will be limited by the lack of worldwide lithium and cobalt supplies. Thanks for your very interesting post. Good luck with your endeavors.
Hi John.
We don’t have those answers, but it will be interesting to follow. We will stay on it.
Aloha.
did I miss it? What about the Whales?!!??!! Dolphins??!!?? They breach and jump and flap. I thought we were supposed to ba a sanctuary for them. The noise alone will make them crazy. This is horrible!! Sounds like the are full speed ahead without even considering the ocean life. How can we stop this???
The boat-foil-planes are electric (silent). If you are concerned about noise pollution, look no further than all the sight-seeing helicopters. Those things are a plague. I hope to still be alive when they are all replaced with electric drones.
Have seen my share of whale and dolphin breeches through the years. Have yet to see anything approaching 65 feet. Maybe if a humpback was really trying to hit it? But if these planes are flying off the coast of Japan, Godzilla could rise out of the water and swat one down. Maybe just use his fire breath.
65 feet? is that what they meant by a wingspan off the surface? I didnt get it. 65 feet should be ok. and silent??!! are you sure. Well if all this is true then I am opening my mind to this. need more info for sure. Thanks!
65 feet was my understanding from the article
I’m not seeing anything about what the cost will be, but I will definitely try this flying boat-foil if they have stops on Kauai. Wonder how they will handle “security” (and parking) out on the few docks around the island? I’m thinking they will need to invest a lot more in their on-the-ground-at-the-water facilities.
Yes, but…what about the whales??
They’re too big to fit on the plane.
Would you please expand your explanation about this company. Where are they located and where are the units being built and tested? Thank you.
Try your favorite internet search engine. I recommend Google. Mahalo.
of course it is pictured operating on a perfectly calm sea. let’s see a film of it operating in normal 6-10 foot seas. bob d
This plan is quite innovative. The beautiful efficient inter island ferry was a wonderful travel mode, too bad it failed too soon.
“The beautiful efficient inter island ferry was a wonderful travel mode”
Not everyone agrees with you (if our hosts will allow the link):
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaii_Superferry
How does this differ from the Soviet Ekranoplan which was scrapped? I believe they were successful on inland waterways like lake Baikal but problematic on the ocean or sea?
anybody who thinks electric airplanes are going to have any effect whatsoever on coastal communities is taking crazy pills
Try your favorite internet search engine. I recommend Google. Mahalo.
Similar comments made to the Wright Brothers and look what happened. Why so pessimistic? It could work!