Zero-carbon electric passenger sea gliders could be taking to the sea - and air - by 2025, with a seat onboard costing as little as $30.
The gliders, which look a bit like something out of Thunderbirds, are being developed by US aerospace company Regent.
Ocean Flyer wants to bring them to New Zealand in a multimillion-dollar deal, and is confident they'll get off the ground - or water - by 2025.
Operations manager and former Air Force pilot and instructor John Hamilton said they were aiming to launch them from Auckland and Wellington's harbours. A 30-minute flight would cost about $30 a seat, he said.
How can it be so cheap? It's all about the design, Hamilton told Checkpoint.
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"It's so affordable because it's electric propulsion and yet it flies in ground effects, so that's a very efficient mode of flight and so it will fly at about 10 meters above the water and up to 180 knots."
The glider starts as a boat in the harbour and as it accelerates it rises on foils using the same technology from the America's Cup. Then it flies out of the water, about 10m above the surface.
They would be regulated under maritime rules. But as they are essentially flying boats - who is driving them?
"I think it probably will be largely aviation-based experience, but with a healthy dose of maritime knowledge to be able to operate amongst ships and boats."
The sea gliders will be built to the same standards as aircraft, and the foils will allow for a smooth and fast ride, Hamilton said.
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While no one has flown one yet - they are only being operated by remote control - Hamilton is confident we will see them on New Zealand shores come 2025.
"This is an exciting proposition to be able to bring zero emissions, sustainable transport options to travellers in New Zealand, which is affordable, fast and efficient."
