July 2025 — In a bold move to advance sustainable aviation in Southeast Asia, Cambodia’s VET Airways has signed a memorandum of understanding with Elfly Group for five of its all-electric Noemi amphibious aircraft. The deal, valued at US$50 million, positions VET Airways at the forefront of regional green air mobility.
Backed by parent company Vireak Buntham Express, a major Cambodian transport operator, VET Airways aims to integrate the Noemi aircraft into both its passenger and logistics operations. “There’s a huge market for seaplanes in Asia,” said Neak Oknha Suo Vireak, CEO of Vireak Buntham Express Co. Ltd. “The amphibious Noemi can fly straight from airports to the coast and out-compete road transport, which is important as we are looking into using it in our logistics network too.”
The Noemi aircraft is specifically designed for short take-off and landing (STOL) operations from lakes, rivers, and coastal areas—making it ideal for island nations and remote inland routes. Its performance has been validated through extensive wind tunnel testing at KTH and successful flight tests using a 1:5 scale model.
This latest agreement brings Elfly’s total soft commitments to 52 aircraft, with interest extending across Denmark, Greece, Indonesia, Panama, and now Cambodia. The Noemi is scheduled for its first full-scale flight in 2027, with entry into service targeted for 2030.
As the global aviation industry intensifies its push toward decarbonisation, VET Airways’ commitment underlines the rising demand for innovative, sustainable transport solutions tailored for emerging markets.
SOURCE AND IMAGE ©: ELFLY GROUP
