AirX ferry to get maritime classification
The Airfish Wing-In-Ground (WIG) ferry is being brought into commercial operation through a partnership with the maritime classification society Bureau Veritas. The ST Engineering AirX is a form of flying boat that uses ‘ground effect’ to lift it a few metres above the surface of the water for fast transport. The relative simplicity of this type of ‘vessel’ means that it could be adapted into a leisure version. No pilot’s license is required, as the vessel is operated by a maritime-certified skipper.
ST Engineering is based in Singapore and is a commercial aerospace business specialising in defence and public security. The AirFish is one of their latest products, a fast ground-effect ferry that is powered by two V8 gasoline automotive engines. Officially certified under International Maritime regulations, the AirFish can obtain speeds of up to 100 knots (185km/h) and has a capacity for 8 passengers and 2 crew. Once all the necessary commercial certificates are in place, the AirFish will be leased by Batam Fast Ferry Pte Ltd to operate along a route between Singapore and Batam. Another AirFish is destined for Wings Over Water (WOW) in India. In both cases, service is expected to start in mid-to-late 2026, once routes and operations have been confirmed by local authorities.
The ferries are due to operate in areas of high demand for inter-island commuting and tourism, with the AirFish needing no aeronautical infrastructure such as a runway. The airframe is made mostly from carbon fibre to reduce the weight, giving a cruising range of 300Nm (550km) with a payload of up to 1,000kg. The vessel can take-off and land in a sea state of up to level 3 (waves between 0.5m and 1.25m), which usually corresponds to a wind speed of 11kt-16kt.
ST Engineering describes the handling and maintenance of the craft as very straightforward. “Utilising aerodynamic forces and air pressure generated between itself and a water surface, AirFish WIG craft are able to fly at three times the speed of existing marine vessels,” the brochure advises. “This brings about significant reduction in time and an increase in convenience for maritime public transport. Potential applications include luxury travel, delivery of para-public services, and military logistics. Passengers experience no turbulence while flying in the AirFish. There is only a low noise signature within the cabin, and no pressure changes. The WIG concept is inherently stable and enables safe operations without the need for complex flight control systems. As a result, the craft can be flown by a single marine-qualified master. The AirFish is on track to achieve maritime classification with the support of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and will be ready for commercial service in 2026.”
Source: IBI News
