Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI) intends to locate the initial assembly line for its Albatross 2.0 seaplane from Australia's Northern Territory to the United States. The company cited difficulties in obtaining regulatory approvals from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), according to a report by the ABC News.
A spokesperson for the Northern Territory government told the broadcaster that the manufacturer advised them of the offshore move due to unspecified regulatory challenges. However, a CASA representative stated the company "did not formally apply to CASA for regulatory approval of any kind." The authority has had no contact with AAI since 2023.
The manufacturer will now seek approval and certification for the modified amphibious aircraft through the US Federal Aviation Administration. A company spokesperson confirmed to ABC News that the manufacturer has yet to build an Albatross 2.0 as it works toward US certification.
The Northern Territory government previously supported the project with an AUD7 million dollar (USD4.9 million) loan and an AUD3 million (USD2.1 million) equity investment through the local jobs fund. AAI used the loan to purchase a hangar at Darwin, which it has since sold. The company repaid the loan in full, with interest, while the regional government retains its equity share.
In February 2026, the manufacturer also announced a strategic collaboration with Apogee Aerospace covering defence and government applications, including an order for fifteen Albatross 2.0 aircraft valued at about INR35 billion rupees (USD376.1 million) and planned tail-section manufacturing in India.
In 2022, investor Steve Baxter agreed to purchase the first unproduced aircraft for a reported USD20 million, with production previously targeted for 2025 using an Albatross G-111, VH-NMO (msn 148329), to be modified.
ch-aviation has contacted AAI for comment.
Albatross 2.0 is loosely based on the Grumman Albatross. The OEM hopes that by using the existing legacy type certificate, it will be able to accelerate entry into service and leverage the proven reliability.
