In a groundbreaking move, UrbanLink Air Mobility has partnered with REGENT Craft to introduce all-electric seagliders to its fleet. The company has ordered 27 seagliders, marking a significant step towards sustainable regional transportation in South Florida and Puerto Rico.
UrbanLink’s mission is to enable zero-emission, end-to-end travel within a 500-mile range by 2028 and expand to 1,000 miles by 2030 from its hub cities of Miami, Los Angeles, and San Juan. REGENT’s innovative seaglider technology, which combines the speed of an airplane with the convenience of a ferry, is set to revolutionize coastal transportation.
A press release from globenewswire reports that the partnership will see the deployment of REGENT’s flagship Viceroy models, each capable of carrying 12 passengers and two crew members. These seagliders can travel at speeds up to 180mph and service routes up to 180 miles on a single charge. They will augment UrbanLink‘s existing all-electric transportation solutions in key cities like Miami and San Juan.
The seagliders will seamlessly integrate with existing dock infrastructure and EV charging options, supporting the development of a multi-modal electric transportation ecosystem. According to a recent survey by REGENT, 88% of Miami residents have expressed interest in using seagliders for regional coastal travel, with the potential to serve as many as 4.3 million passengers annually, according to refreshmiami.
“This order aligns perfectly with our mission to bring zero-emission regional travel to the U.S.,” said UrbanLink Founder and Chairman, Ed Wegel. “By complementing our existing fleet of electric sea vessels and eVTOL jets, the seagliders will enhance our network of vertiports and intermodal connections, making seamless, sustainable travel a reality.”
REGENT Craft has already secured over 600 seaglider orders valued at more than $9 billion from leading airline and ferry operators worldwide. With the support of key investors and partners like 8090 Industries, Founders Fund, Japan Airlines, and Lockheed Martin, the company is poised for rapid growth.
“We’re thrilled to partner with UrbanLink and contribute to their vision of zero-emission travel,” said REGENT CEO Billy Thalheimer. “Our seagliders not only offer a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional transportation but also have the potential to fly over 400 nautical miles on a single charge with next-generation battery technology.”
The introduction of zero-emission seagliders is expected to have a significant impact on both consumers and the environment. By reducing fuel costs, maintenance, and emissions associated with traditional transportation methods, the seagliders will contribute to a more sustainable future.
As UrbanLink and REGENT continue to collaborate, the potential for expanding seaglider operations to other regions is immense. With ongoing research and development in seaglider technology and collaborations with other transportation providers and local authorities, the future of regional coastal travel looks cleaner, faster, and more accessible than ever before.
