By Tim Ryan

Tidal Flight, a pioneering Hampton-based startup, is making waves in coastal transportation with the development of Polaris, a hybrid-electric seaplane designed to transform regional mobility. This groundbreaking project received a boost through a $75,000 Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF) grant from the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), a testament to Virginia’s growing leadership in advanced air mobility.

Co-founded by Jude Augustine, CEO, and Mark Lau, Chief Engineer, Tidal Flight is addressing an urgent need for affordable and sustainable transportation for coastal communities. With 40% of the world’s population residing near coastlines, seaplanes offer an efficient and often underutilized mode of transportation. However, the high cost of current seaplane models has made this option inaccessible to many.

Polaris, Tidal Flight’s hybrid-electric seaplane, promises to change that. Capable of carrying 9-12 passengers and landing on both water and traditional runways, it offers an 85% reduction in fuel burn and a 40% reduction in operating costs. This innovative aircraft brings the dream of zero-emissions flight one step closer, allowing for quieter, greener, and more cost-effective travel to coastal and remote destinations.

“We identified a unique opportunity to address this need with a modern, clean-sheet, hybrid-electric seaplane, providing direct access to coastal communities and city centers,” said Jude Augustine. With a focus on trips between 50 and 300 miles, the Polaris seaplane offers a solution to fill gaps in regional air mobility, a segment often neglected by commercial airlines.

VIPC’s investment comes at a crucial time, enabling Tidal Flight to fabricate subscale prototypes and conduct rigorous flight testing. This grant also supports demonstrations for potential customers and investors, helping the startup attract further interest and validation.

Tidal Flight’s presence at REaKTOR, the City of Hampton’s High Tech Center of Excellence, emphasizes the company’s role in the local innovation ecosystem. With support from initiatives like VIPC’s Federal Funding Assistance Program and partnerships with the Virginia Unmanned Systems Center, Tidal Flight is positioned to lead the charge in sustainable air travel solutions.

Here’s a link to VIPC’s press release.