Boost for zero emissions amphibious aircraft operations as Seaplane Asia orders 14 JEKTA PHA-ZE 100s
July 24, 2024
While there has been a lull in big aircraft orders on day three of Farnborough International Airshow, JEKTA firmed an order with SeaPlane Asia for 14 of its PHA-ZE zero emissions amphibious aircraft.
“This deal means everything to us,” said George Alafinov, CEO JEKTA, speaking to Aerospace Global News during a signing in the morning of Wednesday 24 July at Farnborough International Airshow. “We have signed up with the biggest seaplane operator in Asia, which is going to be one of our primary markets. They have strong relations in the tourism sector and partnerships with luxury hotels. The challenge currently with their existing fleet is that when guests are transferred it is done in ageing aircraft. The PHA-ZE will ensure the incredible experience starts as soon as you touch down at an international airport and in a sustainable way.”
The two companies will now work together to shape the aircraft to meet the conditions relative to Asia, such as cross winds and high waves.
Headquarterd in Hong Kong, Seaplane Asia is currently developing and reviewing markets and expects to optimise the JEKTA airframes for fulfilling short-distance flights from airports to waterfront locations, sightseeing flights and yacht transfers. Existing routes include flights between Phuket and surrounding islands in Thailand, connections between Sihanoukville and Cambodia and networks linking destinations in eastern Indonesia are all being considered by Seaplane Asia.
Dennis Keller, Seaplane Asia’s CEO said: “Sustainability is core for us. We are here to stay and are focused on how we operate our business as sustainably as possible, both in terms of growth and the environment.
“Carbon compensation, SAF and electrification of our existing fleet is key, but the next phase is to explore a new type of sustainable, amphibious aircraft. We’ve done a lot of analysis and evaluation on what the more promising platforms are and JEKTA fulfilled our needs. The PHA-ZE 100 promises a good combination of operational feasibility both on land and water on the coast and inland. It’s also a cost-effective option.”
While the aircraft has yet to be certified to EASA Cs-23 and US FAA FAR-23 standards for fixed-wing passenger aircraft, Seaplane Asia is hoping for delivery of its first PHA-ZE100 in approximately six years.
