Jekta Aviation, a Swiss startup, has launched the PHA-ZE 100, a novel 19-seater seaplane that is all electric. The aircraft will have zero emissions and a 45-minute recharge time. Here, let's look more closely.
PHA-ZE 100
At the Abu Dhabi Air Expo earlier this month, the Swiss firm unveiled information about its brand-new seaplane. The Passenger Hydro Aircraft Zero Emissions 100, also known as the PHA-ZE 100, will have a maximum range of 94 miles (150 km) and a cruising speed of 135 knots (250 km/h).
Designed for flight connections "between oceanside communities and those with access to suitable rivers and lakes," the electric aircraft will be capable of carrying 19 passengers (and 3 crew) with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of around 19,000 lbs.
Jekta Aviation said, "The use of a new electric seaplane will create a segment of sustainable transport mobility for the population living in megacities and small settlements located on the coast of the seas and oceans, connect islands, and preserve the unique nature of wildlife sanctuaries that have become popular as tourists’ attractions."
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MBVision x PHA-ZE 100
The Italian company MBVision collaborated with the PHA-ZE 100's designers on its creation. In order to establish a manufacturing plant for the new seaplane, Jekta Aviation has also reached a deal with Swiss Aeropole, a park for aerospace technology in Payerne, Switzerland.
Energy Efficient
The PHA-ZE 100's capacity to run entirely on electricity and produce no emissions may be its best selling point. The aircraft will be powered by ten electric battery blocks that can be recharged in 45 minutes, but once the technology is available, green hydrogen fuel cells can be retrofitted.
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George Alafinov, CEO of Jekta Switzerland, said, "The solution is in front of us: instead of building airports with devastating irreversible environmental impact, we can use nature's gift of oceans, lakes and rivers to create an affordable transport system using amphibian aviation. Today's seaplane market offers outdated solutions that are heavy on emissions, uncomfortable and extremely costly."
The production facility itself will also incorporate sustainable features, including solar power panels and geothermal walls.
Jekta Aviation Entry-of-service
Jekta Aviation is looking for finance for its revolutionary plane, and the company doesn't expect to finish a prototype until at least 2026. Production and entry-of-service could be realized as early as 2028–2029 if everything goes as planned.
The development of its cutting-edge production facility in Switzerland will be included in the project's anticipated €280 million ($279 million) total cost. The plane may be set up in a variety of configurations, including an ambulance with medical rooms, a 4-seater VIP jet with a living area, and 19 economy seats.
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Despite only being two years old, the Swiss company Jekta Aviation claims to have over 20 years of experience constructing amphibious aircraft. By the end of the decade, it is predicted that there will be a demand for more than 400 amphibious aircraft worldwide, with particular demand in India, Indonesia, Brazil, and the Philippines.
