Elfly, the Norwegian pioneer in zero-emission aviation, welcomes Dr. Susan Ying to its Board of Directors

Tuesday 11th February 2025

At the Future Opportunities for Seaplanes & Amphibious Aviation Conference today (February 11) in Miami, Norwegian aerospace innovator Elfly Group proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Susan Ying to its Board of Directors.

Dr. Ying is a globally recognized leader in aerospace innovation and sustainability, with over 40 years of experience including NASA, Boeing, COMAC and the Aerospace Technology Working Group. Dr. Ying earned a spot as a NASA Astronaut Candidate finalist and has held executive roles at Boeing Research & Technology, served as Senior Vice President at Ampaire and played a key role in advancing electric aviation.

A former president of the International Council of Aeronautical Sciences, Dr. Ying is a dedicated advocate for zero-emission flight solutions. She is currently a mentor at the Sustainable Aviation Lab, the only one in the world focused totally on Sustainable Aviation. As both an investor and Board member, she will be instrumental in driving the NOEMI all-electric seaplane project and shaping the future of sustainable aviation.

The Elfly Group is redefining regional air mobility with its mission to develop clean, flexible, and efficient transportation solutions. The company’s flagship project, NOEMI (No Emissions), is a nine-seat all-electric seaplane designed for commercial service by 2030. Elfly has built a world-class team, attracting top engineers from top aerospace companies including Airbus, Pilatus and Dornier SeaStar and expanding to over 35 employees from 14 nationalities at its new hangar facilities in Torp, Sandefjord.

Eric Lithun (CEO, Elfly Group): "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Dr. Susan Ying to the team. Her expertise and vision for sustainable aviation aligns perfectly with our mission. Having Susan on board is a major milestone for NOEMI - the world’s first fully electric seaplane - and for Elfly as an aviation Group."

Dr. Susan Ying: "I am truly excited to be part of this journey working with Eric and his stellar team. The NOEMI project is exactly what the aviation industry needs - an innovative, fully electric, zero-emission aircraft that will set a new standard for regional air mobility. I have followed Elfly’s progress closely and believe deeply in the technology, the team, and the game-changing potential of this project."

Eric Lithun: "That praise means a lot. Susan’s background in cutting-edge aviation projects and commitment to green technology will be invaluable as we move from concept to reality, with our first flight targeted for 2027. This isn’t just about building an aircraft - it’s about disrupting the industry and reshaping regional aviation."

Dr. Susan Ying : "The industry is at a turning point, and Elfly is leading the way. I look forward to working closely with the team, sharing my knowledge, and helping make NOEMI a true game-changer. The future of electric aviation is here, and I’m excited to be part of it!"

Caption 1: Dr Susan Ying and Eric Lithun with ‘NOEMI” in Miami

Caption 2: Dr Susan Ying holds a Commercial Pilot Licence and is an FAA-Certified Flight Instructor.  She owns a Diamond DA40 NG (with FADEC), housed in a hangar at Camarillo, CA.  Its registration ‘N787SY’ is a nod to her career with Boeing, where as Director, Boeing Research and Technology, she led a team which contributed to the development of the B787 Dreamliner. 

Photo credit: Ian Harbison, London Oxford Airport