Hong Kong-based Seaplane Asia has signed an agreement to acquire fourteen Jekta PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft at this week's Farnborough 2024 Airshow.
Swiss-based Jekta has already put into production two and eight-seater amphibious airframes. The 19-passenger, electric-powered, all-composite PHA-ZE 100 is still under development, but the aim is for EASA CS-23 and US FAA FAR-23 certification. Using ten electric motors supplied with energy from batteries or hydrogen fuel cells, the PHA-ZE 100’s initial flight endurance on battery power is projected at 60-minutes, with a 30-minute reserve. The aircraft will operate from coastal waters with waves of up to 1.2 metres, lakes, waterways, and runways, the latter using its standard retractable wheeled landing gear.
“We have been closely following the early stages of several new platforms and aircraft developments and are confident that the PHA-ZE 100 is among the more promising airframes that can serve our various needs while addressing sustainability through its electric and hydrogen options," said Dennis Keller, CEO of Seaplane Asia. "Its ability to perform in rougher swells, reduced operating costs, range and cruising speeds, and ample, contemporary cabin design all supported our decision to sign with Jekta.”
Seaplane Asia is the promoter of several proposed start-ups around Southeast Asia, including Siam Seaplane (Thailand), Samra Seaplane (Cambodia), Santai Seaplane (Indonesia), and Sagana Seaplane (the Philippines). To date, none have progressed beyond planning stages, although Siam Seaplane has sourced and ferried in a Cessna (single turboprop) 208EX. Seaplane Asia says it sees the Jekta airframes fulfilling short-distance flights, island hopping, transport from airports to waterfront locations, sightseeing flights, and yacht transfers.
