Strategic partnership centers on the Albatross 2.0 to build sovereign capability, industrial depth, and global leadership.
AAI-Apogee Aerospace MoU ceremony in Delhi.
AAI-Apogee Aerospace Partnership: Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI), a subsidiary of Amphibian Aircraft Holdings (AAH), and Apogee Aerospace Pvt Ltd on February 5 announced a strategic collaboration aimed at establishing amphibious aviation as a strategically important capability for India. The partnership is anchored by the Albatross 2.0 amphibious aircraft platform and reflects a shared vision to position India at the forefront of this niche yet increasingly vital aviation domain.
The collaboration goes beyond aircraft sales, focusing on long-term industrialisation, indigenous capability development, and operational readiness across defence, government, and strategic civil aviation sectors.
Albatross 2.0: A Certified First in Its Class
At the center of the partnership is the Albatross 2.0, described as the world’s first and only FAA- or EASA-certified transport-category amphibious aircraft above 19 seats, with a capacity of up to 28 passengers, in the Registered Passenger Transport (RPT) sector.
Unlike traditional seaplanes, the Albatross 2.0 is designed as a true transport-category platform. It features a standing cabin height of 188 centimetres, a dedicated luggage compartment, a fully functional washroom, and an equipped galley, enabling it to perform sustained transport and multi-role missions rather than niche operations.
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Apogee Named Exclusive Partner for the Indian Subcontinent
Under the agreement, Apogee Aerospace has been designated as AAI’s exclusive Authorised Representative Partner for the Indian Subcontinent in the restricted category covering defence and government requirements.
The scope of the partnership spans maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), training and capability development, simulation, end-to-end systems integration for militarisation of the aircraft, and the establishment of aircraft tail-section manufacturing facilities in India. These facilities will support both domestic requirements and the global supply chain.
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Deep Industrial Integration and Sovereign Capability
Khoa Hoang, AAI Chairman.
Commenting on the collaboration, AAI Executive Chairman Khoa Hoang and President and CEO Gopi Reddy said India is uniquely positioned to lead the next chapter of amphibious aviation.
“With Albatross 2.0, we are bringing fully certified transport-category capability that can immediately serve India’s military, paramilitaries, government, and strategic civil aviation needs,” they said. “Partnering with Apogee Aerospace allows us to go far beyond aircraft delivery, focusing on deep industrialisation, systems integration, skills development, and long-term sovereign capability.”
They added that the partnership is designed to establish India as a center for amphibious aviation operations, sustainment, and future growth.
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AAI-Apogee Aerospace Partnership.
Designed for India’s Diverse Operating Environments
AAI and Apogee will jointly promote and operationalise the Albatross 2.0 across defence, government, and strategic civil applications in India. The aircraft’s ability to operate seamlessly from land, water, snow, and ice, as well as in open-sea conditions with wave heights of up to six to eight feet, makes it particularly suited to India’s varied geography.
Its versatility positions it as a valuable asset for India’s long coastline, island territories, riverine regions, and disaster-prone areas, while supporting joint military operations and humanitarian response missions.
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Supporting National Maritime and Coastal Initiatives
The Albatross 2.0 aligns closely with national initiatives such as the Sagarmala Programme, coastal economic development, and enhanced maritime domain awareness. Its infrastructure-independent reach makes it a practical solution for connectivity and logistics in remote coastal and island regions.
Amphibious aviation is also seen as a natural enabler of the Prime Minister’s long-term vision for strategic island development, including projects in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The aircraft supports surveillance, logistics, humanitarian assistance, and rapid response across both India’s eastern and western seaboards.
AAI’s Albatross Amphibian Aircraft.
A Force Multiplier for Indian Air Power
Wg Cdr MVN Sal (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of Apogee Aerospace, described the Albatross as a transformational platform for India’s air power.
“Albatross is a force multiplier like no other before it, as it fundamentally redefines the point of launch and recovery of air power,” he said. “Its versatility enables operations across dimensions and verticals that previously required multiple platforms.”
He added that the platform strengthens India’s ability to maintain secure Sea Lanes of Communication, providing strategic insurance as the country continues to grow as a leading global economy.
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AAI-Apogee Aerospace Partnership announced in New Delhi.
Significant Orders and Investments Announced
As part of the strategic collaboration, Apogee Aerospace has placed an order for 15 Albatross 2.0 aircraft, representing an approximate programme value of ₹3,500 crore. In addition, Apogee plans to invest up to ₹500 crore to establish tail-section manufacturing, MRO facilities, training and simulation infrastructure, and advanced systems integration capabilities in India.
These facilities will support the development of indigenised military variants of the Albatross platform tailored to the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.
Apogee has also invested $7 million (approximately ₹65 crore) in Amphibian Aircraft Holdings, reinforcing long-term strategic alignment and shared execution commitment between the two companies.
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Positioning India Among Global Aerospace Leaders
Amphibian Aerospace Industries is poised to become one of only eight FAA- or EASA-certified transport-category aircraft manufacturers in the RPT sector globally, alongside Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, ATR, Cessna, Viking De Havilland, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
The initiative is further reinforced by recent Union Budget policy signals highlighting the government’s intent to support seaplane and amphibious aircraft manufacturing, MRO, and ecosystem development as part of India’s broader aerospace and manufacturing growth strategy.
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Aiming to Build a Global Amphibious Aviation Hub
Through this collaboration, AAI and Apogee Aerospace aim to position India as a global hub for amphibious aircraft manufacturing, sustainment, training, and exports. The partnership seeks to deliver a strategically vital, future-ready aerospace capability aligned with India’s long-term operational needs, industrial ambitions, and export goals—marking the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s aviation and maritime security landscape.
