en.Wedoany.com Reported - On July 12, 2026, Catalina Aircraft Trust announced that its modernized turboprop-powered variant, the Catalina II, has secured up to 46 letters of intent from Pan American Airways System, which holds the type certificate for the original Catalina amphibious flying boat.

Catalina Aircraft is currently evaluating systems such as engines and avionics. Founder and President Lawrence Reece stated that the Catalina II will be the only Western-certified transport-category seaplane, and he expects demand for the aircraft in various configurations to reach 600 units.

Catalina Aircraft stated that the NGAA Catalina II is a modernized, enlarged, new-production twin-turboprop amphibious flying boat designed for civil commercial, government, and military missions, capable of operating in austere environments. Reece noted that the aircraft is a derivative of the existing "28-5ACF" transport-category certified Catalina, and as a derivative, its regulatory approval path is relatively straightforward. He asserted that as a derivative of an existing transport aircraft, the Catalina II has a clearer and faster certification path in terms of finance, timeline, and regulation compared to many startups developing entirely new aircraft.

Pan American Airways System stated that this aircraft will be the first seaplane to operate under the classic Pan Am "winged globe" logo since April 1946. The company obtained the rights to use the logo through a licensing agreement with California-based brand owner Pan American World Airways.

Pan American Airways System plans to initially operate the Catalina II on "trunk routes" in Africa, including routes between Alexandria and Cape Town, with stops at luxury resorts and various natural attractions. The company also envisions flight routes in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and other regions. The aircraft features an Art Deco-style cabin with 10 "ultra-reclining" seats, a galley, a lavatory, and an observation area with "bubble" windows for scenic views.

The Catalina was developed by Consolidated Aircraft in the 1930s for the U.S. government, powered by two Pratt & Whitney R1830-92 radial engines. The aircraft played a significant role during World War II as a rescue, anti-submarine, and reconnaissance aircraft. After the war, some aircraft were converted into the 28-5ACF commercial variant. Catalina Aircraft obtained the design authorization for this variant in 2009, along with type certificates from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transport Canada.

Reece, who has nearly 30 years of experience in the defense industry, publicly unveiled plans in 2023 to develop and produce the modernized Catalina II. The Catalina II has a maximum takeoff weight of 14,500 kg, a range of 1,520 nautical miles, a cruise speed of 185 knots, and can carry up to 34 passengers or 5,440 kg of internal cargo. The aircraft is powered by two turboprop engines each producing approximately 1,900 shaft horsepower, and features a glass cockpit. Reece has held discussions with multiple suppliers but has not yet selected partners.

In addition to Pan American, individuals, companies, and governments have expressed interest in the Catalina II, including variants for aerial firefighting, cargo transport, search and rescue, disaster response, and coastal patrol. The aerial firefighting variant, equipped with a water scooping system, starts at $39.5 million.

Catalina Aircraft still needs to select a production site, which must be near "safe" waters and have 122 x 2,438 meters of available water space for testing. The target is to begin deliveries in 2029, but the pace of progress is subject to the FAA review schedule.

Catalina Aircraft is not affiliated with Catalina Aircraft Company, which is advancing the development of a new transport-category aircraft called the Catalina SPAR. Catalina Aircraft stated that the Catalina SPAR "has nothing in common" with the original Catalina.