A new breed of seaplane could soon be improving access and mobility around remote communities in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Developer of “wing-in-the-ground effect” low altitude craft, US firm Regent, has announced a data sharing agreement with regional transport partnership Hitrans and plans to explore how its Seaglider craft could improve Scottish transportation “bringing benefits to people and to the environment through ease of travel and reduction of CO2 emissions,” according to a press release.
Regent claims its Seaglider vessel combines the high speeds of an aircraft with the convenience of a boat. The new craft operates exclusively over water on its hull, hydrofoils, or wings. Allowing users to bypass congestion on roads and around airports, it is intended for “everyday commuters,” Regent says. With a capacity of 12 passengers and two crew, the craft can travel at up to 289 km/h with a 289 km range – but with next-generation batteries that could improve to cover journeys of nearly 650 km.
Powered 100% by an electric battery, the Seaglider’s sustainability credentials include zero emissions, according to the American firm. Having gone through trials during summer 2025, and measuring nearly 17 metres in length with a nearly 20 metres wingspan, it is the world’s largest-ever, all-electric flying machine. At 30 decibels quieter than an ordinary plane or helicopter, much is being made of the advantages of its low-noise activity could offer to rural locations without disturbing the peace and tranquillity of their landscapes of outstanding natural beauty.
Having gained investment from Japan Airlines and Lockheed Martin, Regent’s commercial business VP Adam Triolo hailed the Hitrans interest as “an exciting opportunity to showcase to Scotland and the Highlands communities the potential human and environmental benefits Seaglider vessels could have on coastal transportation.”
Hitrans is one of seven regional statutory bodies established in the early 2000s with a remit covering Argyll and Bute, the Highlands, Moray, Orkney, and the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides (Na h-Eileanan Siar). Its sustainable aviation manager, David Holden, echoed Regent’s sentiment, calling the Seaglider an “exciting prospect for transport in the Highlands and Islands” with the potential “to transform how people travel.” Next steps for the project include further trials and feasibility studies.
The Seaglider has competition in the Scottish sea-air space, though. The UK’s Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) has been working on the Airlander 10 – a passenger and freight solution that could result in six electric aircraft operating on regional Scottish routes.
