MONTADRIA Seaplane Regatta at AERO 2025 – Friedrichshafen
- Dragisa Raicevic
- May 5
- 3 min read
Updated: May 12
A small country with a bold vision: redefining seaplane infrastructure, one wave at a time.
Between America and China — at the heart of Europe — and right in the center of AERO 2025,MONTADRIA made history as the first aviation brand from Montenegro to exhibit at Europe's premier aviation show.
In partnership with ICON Aircraft (USA), Flight Design (Czech Republic) and the European Seaplane Association (ESA), we didn’t just represent our country — we brought real innovation to the stage.
It was a tremendous honor to be personally invited by the ICON Aircraft management and their principal Chinese investor — the Chairman of one of Asia’s largest investment firms — to be part of their official delegation.
This recognition came after what they described as a “heroic journey” — my flight from Montenegro, from the Adriatic Sea to Lake Constance and the city of Friedrichshafen, birthplace of Zeppelin and Dornier.Flying the ICON A5, a light amphibious aircraft powered by a 100 HP Rotax 912iS engine, I crossed the Alps at 12,000 feet, setting a new altitude record for the aircraft and showing what’s possible when innovation meets determination.
But this journey was more than just a flight. It was a message: that true progress happens when technology, vision, and commitment come together.
At AERO 2025, MONTADRIA was one of the most talked-about highlights —We presented, for the first time, AirDeck — a tailor-made modular inflatable platform developed specifically to support amphibious aircraft operations. The system shown in Hall B1 was engineered around the ICON A5 and designed to transform amphibious aviation logistics: affordable, mobile, practical, and safe.
After organizing five consecutive editions of the International Seaplane Regatta MONTADRIA, operating more than 50 seaplanes across seas, canyon rivers, and mountain lakes, we know one thing for sure:
Without the right infrastructure, water operations are unnecessarily complex. With the right tools, they can become a joy.
At AERO 2025, we unveiled AirDeck — a tailor-made modular docking platform, designed specifically for amphibious aircraft operations.The unit showcased at the fair was engineered around the dimensions and handling needs of the ICON A5, making it a practical and elegant solution for seamless boarding, docking, and pre-flight inspection on water.
Compact, mobile, inflatable, and quick to deploy — AirDeck is the first truly scalable solution for amphibious aviation logistics.Whether on lakes, rivers, or open sea, it turns water ops from a logistical headache into a smooth, affordable experience.
The result?MONTADRIA became one of the most talked-about exhibitors at AERO 2025, attracting the attention of aircraft manufacturers, regulators, and operators alike.
We now invite everyone intrigued by this concept to visit Montenegro — and experience firsthand not only the magic of our nature, but also a completely new dimension of seaplane adventure.
Whether you're an operator, a pilot, a regulator, or an investor — come fly with us, dock with us, and see how simplicity, safety, and enjoyment can go hand in hand. From regattas to real infrastructure,MONTADRIA is building the future of amphibious aviation — one AirDeck at a time.
