Advanced air mobility (AAM) operator UrbanLink has signed a new purchase agreement to enhance its electric aircraft fleet in the Southeastern United States, acquiring 27 all-electric Seagliders from REGENT Craft, a developer focused on sustainable air mobility.
Based in South Florida, UrbanLink aims to transform urban transportation by integrating zero-emission solutions, such as electric aircraft and seagliders. The company is working towards enabling zero-emission travel within a 500-mile range by 2028, with plans to extend this range to 1,000 miles by 2030. Initial hub cities include Miami, Los Angeles, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
UrbanLink is positioning itself to become the first U.S. airline to incorporate electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into its operations. The company’s growth has been bolstered by commitments to several eVTOL and electric plane developers, including Artemis sea crafts, Eviation Aircraft, and Lilium. The recent addition of 27 electric seagliders from REGENT further solidifies UrbanLink’s commitment to sustainable air mobility in South Florida.
The purchase agreement encompasses REGENTâs flagship Viceroy electric seagliders, designed to accommodate 12 passengers and two crew members. UrbanLink plans to operate these seagliders through its airline network, servicing routes across South Florida and Puerto Rico.
REGENT’s current electric seagliders can achieve speeds of up to 180 mph, covering distances of up to 180 miles on a single charge. Future upgrades may enable the aircraft to fly over 400 nautical miles with advanced battery technology.
The multi-modal design of REGENT’s electric seagliders is seen as ideal for coastal operations, as they can utilize existing docks and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
UrbanLinkâs founder and chairman, Ed Wegel, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, âOur partnership with REGENT further advances our mission to bring zero-emission regional travel to the U.S., with a specific focus on the Miami and San Juan markets. This order perfectly complements our previous commitment to electric sea vessels, all of which will seamlessly integrate with our all-electric eVTOL jets, expanding our reach and enhancing connectivity across the regions we serve. By embracing these innovative, zero-emission modes of transportationâwhether by sea or airâweâre not only shaping the future of travel but also taking meaningful steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable environment for generations to come.â
REGENT Craft anticipates introducing human passengers to full-scale electric seaglider prototypes later this year. The company has received orders for over 600 aircraft from airline and ferry operators globally, totaling more than $9 billion in value. UrbanLink aims to operationalize REGENT’s electric seagliders by 2027, contributing to its mission of sustainable urban mobility.