UrbanLink & Regent Craft to expand seaglider collaboration
As part of the expanded collaboration, UrbanLink has increased its order of Regent’s Viceroy seaglider from 27 units ordered last autumn to a total of 47 seagliders. Once the seagliders are certified operational and delivered, the partners plan to launch a regional short-haul travel service. As an example, the partners cite Miami to West Palm Beach, a distance of 73 miles (117 km), which would take about 35 minutes in a seaglider, compared to 2 hours of driving time.
The partners also included that a helicopter takes about 20 minutes on the route, however, with space for up to 12 passengers, the Viceroy seaglider is more economical and environmentally friendly. The Civeroy can travel at speeds up to 180 mph, and features a total range of 180 miles per charge. Regent also states that operating the seaglider has lower operating and infrastructure costs than a ferry.
The deliveries are expected to start in 2027, when the companies plan for a “rapid rollout of UrbanLink’s operations across South Florida and Puerto Rico.” Regent also already has an idea of how many customers it might eventually serve: “Seaglider operations based in Miami could serve up to 4.3 million passengers each year.”
“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. “Together, we’re building a more convenient and connected future for coastal communities.”
Regent Craft only began testing its Viceroy seaglider in March, which is currently still only a prototype. Aerial tests were said to begin later this year. This does not mark the first instance of tests, however, as a 1/4 scale prototype was also run 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,” added Ed Wegel, Founder and Chairman of UrbanLink. “This partnership propels Florida to the forefront of global innovation in advanced, all-electric mobility.”
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