Regent electric Seaglider will island

Advanced proposition

In a significant development for water-based transportation, seagliders to be supplied by Regent Craft offer all-electric, zero-emission vessels designed for exclusive operation over water at impressive speeds of up to 180 miles per hour (289 kilometers per hour). This innovative technology promises to significantly reduce the time and cost of transporting people and freight between coastal communities. 

Regent's flagship seaglider, the Viceroy, accommodates 12 passengers and operates solely over water, seamlessly transitioning between three modes: hull, hydrofoil, and ground effect flight, with a 160 nautical mile (184 miles) range utilizing current battery technology, which is expandable to over 400 nautical miles (460 miles) with advanced batteries.

The seagliders' operational mechanism involves transitioning from floating on a hull to utilizing wave-tolerant underwater hydrofoils, ultimately enabling flight at ultra-low altitudes—hovering just 30 to 60 feet (~9 to 18 meters) above the water's surface. This novel approach combines the efficiency of water travel with the speed and adaptability of flight, offering sustainable and swift coastal transportation. 

With its potential to reshape the connectivity between coastal regions, HSI says that seagliders represent a promising solution for addressing the evolving needs of maritime travel. "By offering an affordable and sustainable means of transportation, seagliders aim to facilitate improved access to healthcare and employment opportunities," said Kuhio Lewis, CEO of The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) and an advisor to HSI, in a statement. 

Inter-island network

In 2024, HSI aims to advance the feasibility of an inter-island seaglider network in Hawaiʻi, emphasizing socioeconomic and technical aspects. Community engagement will guide the focus on fortifying renewable energy infrastructure, addressing climate concerns for disaster preparedness, and training a skilled workforce, according to HSI.

The initiative also prioritizes ensuring equitable access and benefits for local communities. Mokulele Airlines is set to make history as the world's first seaglider operator, with plans to receive a fleet of 12-passenger Viceroy all-electric seagliders from Regent Craft by 2025, signaling a leap in sustainable air travel for the region. 

Seagliders present a cost-effective solution for diverse transportation needs in Hawaiʻi due to their lower operating costs and simplified infrastructure requirements. Offering affordable interisland travel options, seagliders bridge rural communities to vital services such as medical care and employment, according to HSI. 

A route feasibility study suggests that a one-way seaglider ticket from Oʻahu to Maui or Oʻahu to Kauaʻi could be as low as $30, providing an accessible mode of Kamaʻāina transportation. Beyond passenger travel, seagliders can be adapted to transport cargo, including essential goods like food, between islands.

According to HSI, this capability can potentially reduce transportation and supply chain costs, contributing to a decrease in the overall price of goods and enhancing the purchasing power of Hawaiʻi residents.