These zero-emission seaplanes will transport you around The Red Sea
A fleet of seaplanes will take guests around the luxurious island archipelago…
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea development is set to rival the Maldives with its collection of ultra-luxury resorts, sugary sandy beaches and dreamy overwater villas. If that wasn’t enough, once the destination opens, you’ll also be able to jet around the destination via Maldives style seaplane, with a fleet of 30 aircrafts on-hand to make your island-hopping dreams come true.
The fleet of seaplanes will not only be practical but sustainable too, with The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) partnering with ZeroAvia to create airplanes that will offer zero-emission flights to passengers. The partnership is part of TRSDC’s ambition to offer fully sustainable connectivity across its destination. To make this vision a reality, ZeroAvia plans to retrofit its Cessna Caravan model with powertrain technology, testing to see if they can successfully create a new mode of clean commercial travel.
The two brands will look to develop a hydrogen-electric propulsion technology, which has already been tested in a six-seater plane. A test on a 19-seater flight is imminent, and it could be as early as 2024 that you’re travelling in eco-friendly style around The Red Sea.
“As we gear up to welcome our first guests early next year, the topic of smart and sustainable mobility is a hot one,” commented Andreas Flourou, TRSDC’s executive director of mobility operations on the partnership. “We are actively engaging with industry-leading partners to help us identify and deliver the solutions we need spanning land, sea and air transportation.”
The Red Sea Project phase one
The Red Sea Project’s first phase of development is on track for completion by the end of 2023, with a total of 16 hotels set to offer 3,000 hotel rooms across five islands and two inland sites.
On Shaura Island, expect luxury hotel openings from EDITION, Grand Hyatt, Fairmont, Jumeirah, Miraval and SLS, each bringing its own signature style and design. On a separate island called Ummahat Island, The St Regis Red Sea Resort will take shape, while Six Senses Southern Dunes is located on one of two inland locations forming part of The Red Sea development.