Tidal Flight and Tropic Ocean Airways have announced a Letter of Intent (LOI) for 20 Polaris hybrid-electric seaplanes, valued at over US$100 million.
The agreement, revealed at Miami’s FOSAA25 conference, aims to bring sustainable regional air travel to Florida, the Bahamas, and beyond.
Tropic Ocean Airways, a Fort Lauderdale-based seaplane operator with a fleet of Cessna Grand Caravans, serves destinations across Florida, the Bahamas, and the Hamptons.
CEO Rob Ceravolo said, “We have been an industry leader in seaplane aviation, with one of North America’s biggest seaplane fleets, a rigorous safety standard instilled by my background as a US Navy pilot, and efforts to help grow seaplane aviation worldwide. Looking ahead to 2030, we want to be a leader in sustainable aircraft and in the adoption of next-generation technology, and this agreement with Tidal helps us do that.”
The Polaris aircraft, developed by Tidal Flight founders Jude Augustine, Pranav Krishnamurthy, and Mark Lau, is a modern amphibious aircraft designed to carry 9-12 passengers.
“Our aircraft significantly reduces operating costs and fuel consumption while providing direct access to waterfront destinations and remote communities,” said Augustine, Tidal Flight’s CEO.
The Polaris offers compelling operational benefits, including 85% lower fuel consumption, reduced maintenance needs, and a 20-decibel reduction in takeoff noise. “Tidal’s aircraft helps us achieve our sustainability goals while enhancing our revenue potential and reducing costs,” said Ceravolo. The aircraft can use sustainable aviation fuels and is designed to accommodate future battery-electric or hydrogen-electric powertrains.
Tidal Flight has demonstrated steady progress, completing successful tests with a 1/6-scale prototype and towing tank evaluations. Including this agreement, the company has secured LOIs from eight seaplane and commuter airlines globally, totaling over US$650 million in potential orders.
