Regent Craft, the U.S.-based developer of electric seagliders, said on Thursday it has expanded its partnership with Florida aviation startup UrbanLink Air Mobility, increasing the latter’s order of its all-electric Viceroy seagliders from 27 to 47 units.
The two companies aim to develop a regional transportation network that will enable short-haul electric travel across coastal cities. Deliveries of the seagliders are expected to begin in 2027, when UrbanLink plans to initiate service in South Florida and Puerto Rico. A typical route could include trips such as Miami to West Palm Beach, a 73-mile (117 km) journey that would take about 35 minutes aboard a seaglider, compared to two hours by car.
See also: UrbanLink Expands Sustainable Fleet with 27 Electric Seagliders from REGENT Craft
The Viceroy seaglider is designed to carry up to 12 passengers, reach speeds of 180 mph, and has a range of 180 miles per charge. According to Regent, the vehicle offers lower operational and infrastructure costs than ferries and helicopters, while being more environmentally sustainable.
“UrbanLink’s expanded order is a clear vote of confidence in REGENT’s seaglider technology and is testament to our continued timely execution certification and product development milestones,” said Billy Thalheimer, co-founder and CEO of Regent Craft. “Together, we’re building a more convenient and connected future for coastal communities.”
See also: REGENT’s Full-Scale Electric Seaglider Takes to the Water for Testing
Regent began testing a full-scale prototype of the Viceroy in March. While flight tests are expected later this year, a quarter-scale prototype was previously flown in 2022.
“We’re proud to expand our partnership with REGENT and bring this revolutionary technology to more passengers traveling high-demand routes across Florida and Puerto Rico,” said Ed Wegel, founder and chairman of UrbanLink. “This partnership propels Florida to the forefront of global innovation in advanced, all-electric mobility.”
