SEAGLIDERS – THE FUTURE OF COASTAL TRAVEL IS HERE
A NEW ZERO EMISSION APPROACH FOR TRAVEL IN NEW ZEALAND
VISION
We’re Changing the Way New Zealand Thinks About Zero Emission Travel
Ocean Flyer will start operating fully electric seagliders in New Zealand from mid-decade. Seagliders will be sustainable, fast, comfortable and affordable. The seaglider is a wing-in-ground-effect craft that operates a few meters off the water's surface and couples the high speed of an airplane with the low operating cost of a boat.
Ocean Flyer has signed a $700 million agreement to bring 25 all-electric seagliders to New Zealand by mid-decade.
FEATURED ON
TECHNOLOGY
Seagliders make use of the ‘wing-in-ground-effect (WIG)’ and have been built to leverage existing port infrastructure. The seagliders begin their journey with the hull in the water, rising onto foils as the speed increases before eventually generating lift so that the seaglider begins to fly in-ground-effect at about 10m above the water.
​
The aerodynamic advantage of the “ground effect” includes significant operational efficiencies, increased payload capability, greater range and speed.
SPEED & EFFICIENCY
Achieving aircraft speeds at a fraction of the operating cost, the Ocean Flyer seagliders will transport passengers and cargo over distances of up to 300km at nearly 300kph in the 12-seater Viceroys and up to 800km at nearly 540kph in the 100-seater Monarchs using existing battery technology.
SUSTAINABILITY
The arrival of Ocean Flyer means New Zealand will take a giant leap in reducing emissions, starting from 2026.
The fully-electric seagliders will contribute significantly towards New Zealand being carbon neutral by 2050.
AFFORDABILITY
The efficiency of seagliders means the operational costs are greatly reduced compared to existing modes of transportation. These savings will be passed on to the customer meaning travel fares will be up to 70% cheaper, without sacrificing time, comfort or experience.
COMFORT
The spacious cabins allow for maximum comfort and exceptional views from every seat. The all-electric engines are 1000x quieter than existing aircraft engines, allowing passengers to peacefully enjoy their high-speed travel.
SAFETY
Seagliders are fitted with extensive avionics and automated electronics for navigation and collision avoidance, and to help the pilot maintain the correct altitude. Seagliders will be regulated by Maritime New Zealand.
OCEAN FLYER HIGHLIGHTS
Zero-emission, ultra-low-altitude travel
300 km range at 300 kph
Comfortable and affordable
Existing dock infrastructure
