Elfly Group has appointed Simon Bendrey as chief engineer and head of design as the Norwegian aerospace company advances development of NOEMI, an electric amphibious seaplane entering its prototype phase.
Bendrey brings more than 30 years of aircraft design experience, including nearly 20 years within the Airbus supply chain working on primary structures for A380, A400M and A350 aircraft. He spent over five years as head of design and chief engineer at Dufour Aerospace in Switzerland, leading development of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft.
At Elfly, Bendrey will lead aircraft design and engineering as the company transitions from concept validation to full-scale experimental prototype development. Construction of the full-scale experimental Noemi prototype is planned to commence in early 2026, with first flight targeted for 2027.
“There are two challenges that attracted me to this project,” said Bendrey. “Firstly, the opportunity to be at the helm of a brand-new seaplane program, after a 50-year hiatus – a solid opportunity to take a step forward in hydrodynamic and aerodynamic performance.
“Secondly, the fact that not one twin-engined, all-electric aircraft has yet to be designed and certified. The whole Elfly team is passionately committed to being the first.”
Noemi is being developed as a fully composite aircraft integrating high-voltage battery systems and electric powertrains for maritime operations. The twin-engine, all-electric design targets zero-emission regional connectivity from both water and runway operations.
Elfly has completed Concept Design Review (CDR), wind tunnel testing and sub-scale testing, and has signed a Pre-Application Contract (PAC) with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The company has secured more than 70 soft orders across five continents.
