JEKTA signs first lessor deal for 30 PHA-ZE 100 aircraft

JEKTA, the Switzerland-based developer of zero-emissions amphibious aircraft, has signed an agreement with Seoul, South Korea-based lessor Solyu for 30 JEKTA PHA-ZE 100 aircraft. The deal, which represents JEKTA's first lessor agreement, brings advanced commitments for JEKTA’s amphibious aircraft to more than $1 billion in value.

Solyu is committed to supporting a low-carbon future for aviation and will offer financial and leasing solutions to its operator customers seeking to harness the sustainable qualities of the PHA-ZE 100 (Passenger Hydro Aircraft – Zero Emissions). The inclusion of the PHA-ZE 100 represents the first amphibious aircraft in Solyu's regional advanced air mobility portfolio.

“We are excited by the potential that the PHA-ZE 100 gives to our clients, which can optimize the sustainable qualities of JEKTA aircraft to expand and open new markets. Low operating costs, flexibility supported by versatile configurations, and zero emissions operations all deliver added value to our clients seeking to maximize operational efficiencies while still meeting the industry’s mandates on carbon emission reduction. The minimal infrastructure requirements needed to support PHA-ZE 100 operations are also attractive, and we expect strong interest from our customers in both the hydrogen and electric variants,” says Solyu CEO Andrew Claerbout.

JEKTA and Solyu have recognized the vast market and investment opportunity inherent in offering operators from Asia and around the globe a zero-emissions amphibian aircraft.

“We know leasing companies play a crucial and influential role in the aerospace sector, offering operators financial flexibility and affordability to expand fleets and networks. We’re looking forward to forging strong relationships with Solyu and its clients as we anticipate the aircraft will enhance networks, increase operational use cases and add market opportunities for all stakeholders in this segment,” says JEKTA CEO George Alafinov. “The deal confirms that the wider aviation sector welcomes our vision of incorporating the benefits of amphibious operations into the global air transport system. With Solyu providing leasing and financing access to our aircraft, operators can sustainably develop new routes and support connections to those currently disconnected by water, doing so in style but at low operating costs.”

The agreement with Solyu represents a significant milestone for JEKTA, which only launched in December 2022 and already has a strong order book. “We are also proud that the inking of this important first lessor deal drives the value of our forward interest to more than $1 billion; that’s quite an achievement in under two years,” Alafinov concludes.

Transitioning between land and water without additional hardware, the PHA-ZE 100 is optimized to serve coastal and island communities, regional routes currently limited by operational costs, and to support new low-cost, sustainable services between cities without the need to install expensive land infrastructure.

The amphibious flying boat will be certified to EASA CS-23 and US FAA FAR-23 standards for fixed-wing passenger aircraft. Flexible configurations, including 19-seat, mixed economy/freight, VIP, corporate shuttle, and air ambulance options, make the most of the PHA-ZE 100’s spacious, contemporary cabin.

The PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft is designed to operate from coastal waters in waves up to 1.2m high, lakes, waterways, and paved and unpaved runways, the latter using its standard retractable wheeled landing gear. Electric motors supplied with energy from batteries or hydrogen fuel cells will power the PHA-ZE 100, which is projected to have an initial battery-powered flight endurance of one hour and a 30-minute reserve.

JEKTA is creating a modern 26,901m² production and flight test facility within the Swiss Aeropole Cluster in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. The center will include design, certification, logistics, maintenance, and sales departments, an assembly hall, a quality control laboratory, a flight test organization, and administrative offices.

The team at Solyu has decades of global experience in aircraft leasing and finance.