Indian seaplane operator Maritime Energy Heli Air Services (MEHAIR) plans to modernize its fleet with up to 50 of Jekta’s new electric-powered PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft. According to Jekta, a contract announced on July 5 covers firm orders (backed by deposits) for 10 units and options for another 40, with initial deliveries projected to occur in 2029.
Mumbai-based MEHAIR currently operates a fleet of float-equipped Cessna Grand Caravan single turboprops and is set to become the Asian launch customer for the PHA-ZE 100. The first 10 aircraft are expected to be configured with 19 passenger seats.
PHA-ZE stands for Passenger Hydro Aircraft Zero Emission, and Switzerland-based Jekta says the aircraft will have a range of around 150 kilometers (94 miles) and speeds of up to 135 knots (155 mph). The design features 10 wing-mounted propellers, each with its own 180-kilowatt electric motor mounted on a 30-meter (98-foot) wing. Jekta is aiming to certify the PHA-ZE 100 under EASA and FAA Part 23 rules for fixed-wing aircraft and get into commercial service by 2029.
Since it was founded back in January 2011, MEHAIR has expanded its network of seaplane routes in states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat, in some cases with support from the Indian government’s regional connectivity program of subsidized air routes to smaller communities. The company has also operated its Grand Caravans in locations such as the Indian Ocean islands of Andaman and Nicobar.
Ocean, Rivers, Lakes, and Dams: Water Could Be India's New Runway
“We want to be one of the first aviation companies in the world to operate a zero-emissions aircraft to support regional flights between land and water infrastructure,” commented MEHAIR director Siddharth Verma. “Blessed with a 7,400-kilometer-long coastline and a rich diversity of rivers, lakes, backwaters, and dams, India is readying for the amphibious aircraft revolution. We are one of the fastest-growing aviation sectors and the world’s largest untapped seaplane geography.”
The Indian government has already defined multiple water routes across the country and is in the process of giving the go-ahead for these to start, according to Jekta CEO George Alafniov. “MEHAIR’s proposed operations and future vision exemplify the potential of our airframe to align with the needs of a growing population seeking to travel regionally, whether from water or land,” he said. “We aim to drastically reduce per-passenger-per-hour flight costs compared with existing seaplanes; we are exploring the options for redefining single-pilot operations in the commercial sector; and we are committed to attracting a new workforce into aviation, all of which will support Indian amphibious operations.”
In addition to supporting regional airline services, Jekta plans to produce versions of the PHA-ZE 100 equipped for freight, emergency medical, and VIP transportation flights.
