Hawaiian Airlines Set to Operate Electric Aircraft That Glide Just Above the Ocean Surface

In the near future, cruising altitudes could drop from over 30,000 feet to just above sea level—at least for flights between the Hawaiian Islands.

This month, Hawaiian Airlines announced its investment in Regional Electric Ground Effect Nautical Transport (REGENT), a Boston-based firm that produces entirely electric-powered seagliders.

Avi Mannis, chief marketing and communications officer for Hawaiian Airlines, shared with Dinogo, “We are keen on exploring ways to lessen our carbon footprint. The interisland market, in particular, offers unique possibilities due to the short distances and high travel volumes. We've been looking into technologies that could help achieve this, and the seaglider concept particularly intrigued us.”

According to a REGENT spokesperson speaking to Dinogo, the innovative seagliders represent a new class of vehicle in the commercial aviation sector. While they merge aspects of maritime and aerospace travel, they differ from seaplanes, which are built to take off from and land on water but can fly over both land and water.

“The seaglider operates solely over water, navigating the sea in one of three modes: floating on its hull, utilizing its hydrofoil, or flying just above the water’s surface in ground effect,” a REGENT representative informed Dinogo.

Essentially, it departs from the dock like a boat, but quickly rises onto a retractable hydrofoil (an underwater fin designed to lift a moving vessel out of the water). Once it’s airborne and reaches speeds between 20 and 40 miles per hour, it shifts to flying with its wings. These wings are supported by a pressurized air cushion between the water and the aircraft, allowing it to cruise at speeds of up to 180 miles per hour.

Mannis stated that the seagliders would not replace the existing fleet but would operate in conjunction with it.

“We offer a significant amount of connectivity here in Hawai‘i—our service truly acts as the highway system of the state,” Mannis remarked. “This could serve as a valuable complement, helping us discover more ways to decarbonize in the future.”

Mannis pointed out that interisland travel constitutes a relatively small portion of Hawaiian Airlines’ total carbon footprint. The majority of the airline's emissions stem from long-haul flights across the Pacific. Nevertheless, this advancement is important for Hawaiian, as it aligns with the airline's goal of achieving carbon neutrality.

The airline industry contributes 3 percent of global carbon emissions, and airlines have been investing in various initiatives to lower their emissions in recent years. In fact, members of Airlines for America (including Hawaiian) are now required to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Many airlines, such as United, are exploring sustainable aviation fuels. While fully electric planes may arrive sooner than anticipated, the seagliders represent a relatively new concept.

“This is one element in a suite of strategies, part of a comprehensive plan that also includes more efficient operations, fleet modernization, and sustainable aviation fuel,” Mannis explained. The introduction of a product powered by renewable energy for inter-island travel will benefit both us and our community.”