Seaplanes to transport goods between the Canary Islands

The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is studying the viability of using unmanned seaplanes to transport goods and, perhaps, passengers, between the Canary Islands.

The seaplanes will be Wing-In-Ground-Effect Vehicles, which are faster than ships and cost less than conventional aircraft. Advances in drone technology over the last decade have meant that the possibilities of these low-flying aircraft are being reassessed. 

The project is part of a European initiative named AIRSHIP and will explore the viability of using WIng-In-Ground-Effect Vehicles on various inter-island routes – first to transport merchandise and later, perhaps, for passengers.