At the convergence of maritime and aerospace innovation, Regent is a pioneering force in sustainable transportation. With its groundbreaking seaglider technology, the company is poised to revolutionize coastal travel, offering a unique blend of speed, efficiency, and environmental consciousness.Driven by its unwavering belief in Regent’s groundbreaking vision, Big Sky Partners has eagerly engaged with the company’s remarkable journey and strategically positioned itself as an investor in the venture, aligning with the overarching theme of “adventure capitalism.”
This strategic investment not only bolsters the development of resort projects but also holds the potential to revolutionize island-to-island transportation in captivating destinations, paving the way for extraordinary experiences and unparalleled connections.
Born from the minds of two MIT-trained engineers, Billy Thalheimer and Mike Klinker, Regent (Regional Electric Ground Effect Nautical Transport) emerged as a response to the challenges facing electric aviation and regional transportation. The co-founders’ backgrounds in aerospace engineering, coupled with their passion for flight and maritime technology, laid the foundation for a revolutionary approach to coastal travel.
Billy Thalheimer, Regent’s CEO, brings a wealth of experience from his time at prominent aerospace companies such as Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and Aurora Flight Sciences. His expertise in flight physics and market strategy has been instrumental in shaping Regent’s vision and execution.
Mike Klinker, serving as the company’s CTO, complements Thalheimer’s skills with his extensive background in aircraft controls, autonomy, and flight test experience.
The genesis of Regent can be traced back to the founders’ recognition of two primary challenges in the electric aviation sector:
Their innovative solution was to create a vehicle that combines the best aspects of hydrofoiling watercraft and electric aviation, resulting in the seaglider.
Seagliders represent a new class of wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) vehicles that operate within one wingspan of the water’s surface. This unique design allows them to leverage the ground effect, a phenomenon that increases aerodynamic efficiency when flying close to a surface. By operating in this manner, seagliders can achieve higher speeds and longer ranges than traditional electric aircraft while maintaining lower operational costs.
Regent’s flagship vehicles, the Viceroy and the Monarch, are set to redefine coastal transportation. The Viceroy, designed to carry 12 passengers, boasts a range of 180 miles and a top speed of 180 mph. Its larger counterpart, the Monarch, will accommodate 100 passengers and boasts an impressive range of 350 miles at the same top speed.
Both vehicles are engineered to match the safety standards of aircraft while offering superior wave and wind tolerance compared to existing seaplanes and WIGs.
One of Regent’s key advantages lies in its regulatory approach. By classifying seagliders as maritime vessels, the company can navigate a more straightforward certification process under Coast Guard jurisdiction. This strategy doesn’t compromise safety standards but allows for a potentially faster route to market compared to traditional aircraft certification.
The strategic deployment of Regent’s sea glider technology not only enhances the provision of secure and dependable transportation but also ensures cost-effective operations when juxtaposed with conventional aircraft. Big Sky, spearheaded by Michael Schwab’s astute leadership, keenly acknowledges the transformative potential imbued within this innovation and envisions the consequential impact it could have on the market.
Since its inception, Regent has made significant strides in both technological development and market traction. The company has secured over $9 billion in pre-orders from airlines and ferry companies, demonstrating strong industry confidence in their vision. This impressive backlog includes firm deposits for the first seaglider deliveries, signaling a robust demand for this innovative mode of transportation.
Regent’s progress has not gone unnoticed by investors.
In 2023, the company announced a successful $60 million Series A funding round, co-led by 8090 Industries and Founders Fund. This brought their total funding to $90 million, with participation from notable investors, including Mark Cuban, Japan Airlines Innovation Fund, and Lockheed Martin. This financial backing has enabled Regent to accelerate its development timeline, with plans to conduct the first human flight by the end of 2024.
Regent’s mission is clear and ambitious: to drastically reduce the cost and headache of regional transportation between coastal cities. The company envisions a future where high-speed, zero-emission travel becomes the norm for coastal routes up to 180 miles with current battery technology and up to 500 miles with next-generation batteries.
At the core of Regent’s vision is the belief that seagliders can offer a unique value proposition in the transportation ecosystem. By combining the high speed of aircraft with the low operating costs of boats, sea gliders aim to provide a solution that is not only faster and more cost-effective than existing options but also environmentally sustainable.
The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its all-electric propulsion system, which enables zero-emission transportation. This aligns perfectly with the growing global emphasis on reducing carbon footprints in the transportation sector. Regent sees its seagliders as a crucial component in the transition towards a more sustainable future for regional travel.
Looking ahead, Regent anticipates its seagliders playing a complementary role alongside other emerging technologies like eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft). While eVTOLs focus on urban air mobility, seagliders will provide regional coastal connectivity, creating a comprehensive, all-electric, multi-modal transportation system.
As Regent progresses towards its goal of bringing seagliders to market by mid-decade, the company continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in coastal transportation. With its innovative approach, strong market demand, and visionary leadership, Regent is well-positioned to transform the way we think about travel between coastal cities, promising a future of faster, cleaner, and more accessible regional transportation.