Jekta Moving ahead on Electric Flying Boat Plans

Research from Switzerland-based Jekta has reinforced the underlying potential for its PHA-ZE 100 amphibious electric flying boat, particularly in areas where infrastructure hampers accessible regional air mobility and costs of operation are notably higher with the use of jet-A, the company said on the eve of the Dubai Airshow.

Jekta unveiled plans for its electric PHA-ZE—which stands for Passenger Hydro Aircraft Zero Emissions—at the Abu Dhabi Air Expo last year, presenting an aircraft that could fly up to 150 kilometers (94 miles) carrying up to 19 passengers at speeds of up to 135 knots.

PHA-ZE will employ a fully battery-electric propulsion system. Drawings indicate that 10 propellers, each with its own 180-kilowatt electric motor, will attach to a 30-meter (98-foot) wing. Jekta also is considering options for a hydrogen-powered version using fuel cells.

Since its introduction, the company has lined up its first couple of customers with an order from Mehair in India for 50 and from Gayo Aviation, a broker with offices in Sweden and Dubai, for another 10.

Jekta CEO and founder George Alafinov called the orders “an indication that we're on the right path with this aircraft and the need for this particular niche.”

During the Dubai Airshow, Jekta is hosting virtual tours of the interior concepts for its electric amphibious aircraft.

Jekta on Sunday announced the research findings, which identify regions where the operating economics underscore the potential for aircraft such as the PHA-ZE. The company has developed what it calls “the Jekta Factor,” a coefficient that shows how variations in electricity are fundamental to the viability of all-electric aircraft. That research will aid the effort to define the amphibious aircraft and target optimal regions, infrastructures, and markets, Alafinov said.

Research showed that in regions where electricity might be costly, the market for the PHA-ZE 100 could prove minuscule and airlines could struggle with the costs without government help. But in other regions—including across much of Africa, the Middle East, the Arabian Gulf, India, and Asia—the aircraft could significantly lower operating costs and open opportunities in hard-to-reach areas without the need for costly new land infrastructure.

Alafinov conceded that Jekta originally planned to use a combustion engine. “Then we started looking into the advantages as we saw some other developments around the world on the electrification of aviation. What we saw was a decrease in the operating costs. So, at that point, the decision was made to move away from the combustion engines,” he explained. “Looking at the electrification, we saw great advantages. We approached this research to verify the advantages.”

Alafinov noted that an electric aircraft will not be practical everywhere. “The price of electricity in some European countries is so high that the operators will not be opting for electric aircraft,” he said. “We can talk about sustainability, but nobody is going to buy a very expensive aircraft for the sake of sustainability if they're not gaining any advantage over legacy aircraft. This is just the reality of it.”

But Jekta noted its customer Mehair "is especially well placed for PHA-ZE 100 operations” with extensive lakes and watercourses, the establishment of large photovoltaic stations, and 200 dammed reservoirs. It sees similar opportunities in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Further, the research helps shape design decisions, Alafinov said. For instance, Jekta might allocate more funding towards air conditioning in the humid environments of Southeast Asia rather than for an oxygen mask system possibly for unpressurized aircraft that fly in the mountainous regions of Europe.

Alafinov said the company plans to work with potential customers on outlining a business case for the flying boat, including mapping out optimal routes and networks.

Another key aspect involves partnerships on the charging framework, including an optional photovoltaic charging station designed to minimize ground infrastructure needs.

“Infrastructure is as important as the aircraft itself,” Alafinov said. “Our aircraft [will be] supplied with a local power generator, which is a solar panel system that creates energy and stores it in a capacitor or accumulator and then charges the aircraft.”

That feature is important because it does not require ground infrastructure in locations such as the Maldives, where available land is limited. “There is a company that makes floating solar stations and now very, very successfully, which means they don't have to use the land.” They can create a floating pontoon “wherever they want to create the hub for electric aviation.”

In terms of development, the company spent the past year lining up suppliers, Alafinov said, adding that about 70 percent are in place. Plans call for the start of work next year on a scaled model that would help further define the aircraft and ready it for shows later in the year. A full prototype would follow in 2027 with certification perhaps in the 2029 timeframe.

Jekta is collaborating with Swiss Aeropole on the development of a manufacturing facility in Vaud, Switzerland.

While the founders have committed seed funding, Jetka plans to begin raising more money in the upcoming weeks. “We'll be opening financing soon,” Alafinov said. “We already actually [have begun] talking with several anchor investors.”