April 20, 2022
BOSTON AND WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND, APRIL 20, 2022—REGENT, the Peter Thiel-backed aerospace company behind the revolutionary all-electric seaglider, today announced that New Zealand-based Ocean Flyer, has entered into a commercial agreement with firm deposits to add seagliders to its vehicle fleet. The deal marks what is believed to be the largest private transportation deal in New Zealand’s history and increases REGENT’s global footprint into the Southern Hemisphere. REGENT seagliders provide harbor-to-harbor, overwater transportation at a fraction of the cost, noise, and emissions of existing regional transportation modes like aircraft and ferries.
“We are thrilled to partner with Ocean Flyer to bring safe, zero-carbon, low-cost, and fast transportation to the people of New Zealand” said Billy Thalheimer, CEO of REGENT. “The seaglider will enable New Zealand to contribute to meeting its sustainability goals, protect its natural resources, and connect its citizens across its islands with reliable and affordable options.”
Ocean Flyer’s purchase order includes 25 seagliders: 15 Viceroys, each holding up to 12 passengers, and 10 Monarchs, which can hold up to 100 passengers. The transaction with firm deposits between REGENT and Ocean Flyer is valued at over $427M USD.
“Sustainability is a gift we owe to future generations. We all know our generation must take action now to achieve carbon neutrality. REGENT's visionary transport solution enables us to empower people and businesses by offering an affordable, sustainable choice,” says Ocean Flyer CEO Shah Aslam. “Ocean Flyer is leading real change by introducing one of the most impactful transport sustainability initiatives of the 21st century to New Zealand, connecting communities and helping drive higher productivity and efficiency.”
About seagliders
The REGENT seaglider (lower case “s”) is an all-electric flying vessel that combines the speed, comfort, and navigation systems of an aircraft with the convenience, maneuverability, and affordability of a boat. Regulated and certified by maritime authorities, the seaglider will transport commercial passengers and critical cargo up to 180 miles at nearly 180 mph with existing battery technology. Leveraging existing dock infrastructure, REGENT’s seaglider FLOATS, FOILS, and FLIES. From the dock and while in the no wake zone, the vehicle will float on its hull. Upon reaching 20 mph, it will rise on its retractable hydrofoil. Hydrofoils offer significant wave tolerance and enhanced passenger comfort as the vehicle leaves the crowded city harbor at speeds between 20-40mph. Upon reaching open water, the vehicle smoothly transitions onto its wing, retracts the foil, and accelerates to a comfortable 180-mph cruise speed—all while staying within a wingspan of the water’s surface. Flight safety at these altitudes is achieved utilizing a multiple-redundant, state-of-the-art navigation and control system. Similar to a hovercraft, seagliders fly on a dynamic air cushion created by the pressurized air between the wings and the water. The aerodynamic advantage of this so-called “ground effect,” includes significant operational efficiencies, increased payload capability, and greater range.
About REGENT
REGENT’s seagliders will revolutionize regional transportation. Our mission is to drastically reduce the cost and headache of moving people and goods between coastal cities. Our vehicle, called a seaglider, is an all-electric, wing-in-ground-effect craft that operates within a wingspan of the water's surface and couples the speed of an airplane with the operating cost of a boat. Built to the same safety standards as all modern aircraft and watercraft, seagliders will service routes up to 180 miles with existing battery technology and routes up to 500 miles with next-gen batteries, all via existing dock infrastructure. Our world-class team of aerospace and maritime engineers are leveraging maritime vehicle development pathways to bring our zero-emission, high-speed seagliders to market within five years.About Ocean FlyerOcean Flyer is a new business established by the team that acquired Air Napier in 2018. Combining globally experienced business leadership with decades of proven aviation operations management, Ocean Flyer is committed to connecting communities across the motu, tackling climate change, and building a more resilient and affordable transport network for everyone.
About Ocean Flyer
Ocean Flyer is a new business established by the team that acquired Air Napier in 2018. Combining globally experienced business leadership with decades of proven aviation operations management, Ocean Flyer is committed to connecting communities across the motu, tackling climate change, and building a more resilient and affordable transport network for everyone.