Electric Aircraft
Jekta Tests Electric Amphibious Aircraft Model for Sustainable Aviation
Jekta Aerospace conducts scaled flight trials of PHA-ZE 100 electric amphibious aircraft, advancing sustainable regional aviation with digital twin validation.
Jekta’s PHA-ZE 100: A New Chapter in Electric Amphibious Aviation
In a significant step toward sustainable regional aviation, Jekta Aerospace has initiated flight trials of a scaled model of its PHA-ZE 100, an electric amphibious aircraft. These trials mark a critical milestone in the aircraft’s development and offer a glimpse into the future of environmentally friendly, versatile air transport. Amphibious aircraft have long served niche roles in remote access, maritime operations, and tourism. With the PHA-ZE 100, Jekta aims to modernize this legacy with cutting-edge electric propulsion and digital design tools.
As climate targets tighten and demand grows for cleaner, quieter, and more adaptable aircraft, the aviation industry is undergoing a major transformation. The PHA-ZE 100 fits squarely within this evolution, combining amphibious design with electric or hybrid-electric propulsion. The current flight trials using a 1:9 scale model are not just symbolic, they are a technical necessity to validate advanced simulations and ensure the aircraft’s real-world performance aligns with its digital twin.
Flight Trials and Digital Validation
Scaled Model Testing: Bridging Theory and Practice
Jekta Aerospace’s flight trials involve a 1:9 scaled model of the PHA-ZE 100, a strategy increasingly adopted across the aerospace sector. This model is being used to validate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and aerodynamic predictions made during earlier design phases. By testing the scaled version in real-world conditions, engineers can confirm or adjust their digital assumptions, reducing the risk of costly errors when scaling up to a full-size prototype.
The use of scaled models allows for a more agile development process. It provides valuable data on lift, drag, stability, and hydrodynamic behavior, critical factors for an amphibious aircraft that must perform efficiently in both air and water. These trials also help assess how the aircraft handles takeoff and landing transitions on different surfaces, a key performance metric for amphibious operations.
Charles Alcock, Managing Editor at Aviation International News, emphasizes the role of these tests: “Using a 1:9 scale model allows Jekta to test aerodynamic and hydrodynamic performance in real conditions, bridging the gap between computer models and full-scale aircraft behavior.” This approach is not just about validation, it’s about learning and refining early, before committing to full-scale production.
“Using a 1:9 scale model allows Jekta to test aerodynamic and hydrodynamic performance in real conditions, bridging the gap between computer models and full-scale aircraft behavior.” , Charles Alcock, AINonline
Digital Twins and Simulation Tools
The PHA-ZE 100 development process is heavily reliant on digital twins, virtual models that mirror the physical aircraft in real-time. These tools allow engineers to simulate a wide range of flight conditions, system responses, and environmental variables without the need for physical prototypes at every stage. It’s a method that increases safety, reduces cost, and accelerates development timelines.
By validating the digital twin against real-world data from the scaled model, Jekta ensures that its simulations are accurate and reliable. This process is especially important for electric aircraft, where battery performance, weight distribution, and thermal management are critical factors that must be precisely modeled and tested.
Digital validation also supports regulatory certification processes, which increasingly require comprehensive simulation-based evidence alongside traditional flight testing. For a novel aircraft like the PHA-ZE 100, this rigorous approach is essential to gain approval from aviation authorities.
Environmental and Operational Implications
The PHA-ZE 100 is being developed with electric or hybrid-electric propulsion in mind, aligning with global efforts to decarbonize aviation. Electric propulsion offers multiple benefits: reduced emissions, lower noise levels, and potentially lower operating costs due to fewer moving parts and simpler maintenance requirements.
These features make electric amphibious aircraft particularly attractive for operations in environmentally sensitive areas, such as national parks, island chains, and coastal communities. The quiet operation reduces noise pollution, while the absence of fuel spills enhances environmental safety during water landings and takeoffs.
Although Jekta has not disclosed specific cost figures, electric aircraft typically require significant upfront investment. However, long-term savings in fuel and maintenance, combined with growing regulatory and consumer pressure for sustainable transport, may offer a compelling business case for operators.
Industry Context and Broader Trends
Electrification in Aviation
The PHA-ZE 100 is part of a broader wave of electrification in aviation. From urban air mobility (UAM) vehicles to regional electric aircraft, manufacturers worldwide are racing to develop cleaner alternatives to traditional fossil-fuel-powered planes. This shift is driven by both technological advancements and policy incentives aimed at reducing aviation’s carbon footprint.
Electric propulsion is particularly well-suited for short takeoff and landing (STOL) and regional routes, where range limitations are less of a constraint. Amphibious aircraft like the PHA-ZE 100, which often operate in short-range, point-to-point missions, stand to benefit greatly from this technology.
According to a 2024 report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), electric and hybrid-electric aircraft could account for up to 10% of regional aviation by 2040, provided that battery technology and infrastructure development keep pace.
Digital Engineering and Scaled Prototyping
The use of digital engineering tools, including digital twins and scaled prototypes, is becoming standard practice in aerospace development. These methodologies enable faster iteration, better risk management, and more efficient resource use. For startups and smaller OEMs like Jekta, these tools level the playing field by reducing the need for extensive physical prototyping early in the process.
Scaled prototyping also allows companies to demonstrate progress to investors and regulators, building confidence in the project’s feasibility. It’s a strategy that has been successfully employed by several electric aircraft developers, including Joby Aviation and Lilium, both of which used scaled models during early development phases.
Jekta’s integration of these tools reflects a broader shift toward digital-first aircraft design, which is reshaping how new aircraft are conceived, tested, and certified.
Norway’s Role in Sustainable Aviation
Norway has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable aviation, thanks to a combination of government support, environmental policy, and a strong tech sector. The country’s geography, dotted with fjords, islands, and remote communities, makes it an ideal market for amphibious aircraft, especially those with low environmental impact.
Jekta Aerospace is part of this national push toward green aviation. By developing the PHA-ZE 100 domestically, the company contributes to Norway’s broader goals of reducing domestic aviation emissions and fostering innovation in clean transport technologies.
Government incentives and public-private partnerships may also play a role in supporting the project, although specific funding details have not been disclosed. Norway’s experience with electric ferries and cars suggests a readiness to extend similar support to electric aviation.
Conclusion
Jekta Aerospace’s flight trials with the 1:9 scale model of the PHA-ZE 100 mark a pivotal step in the development of a new generation of electric amphibious aircraft. These trials validate complex digital simulations, reduce development risk, and provide critical data to inform the full-scale prototype. The project is emblematic of broader trends in the aviation industry, including electrification, digital engineering, and a renewed interest in amphibious capabilities.
Looking ahead, the PHA-ZE 100 has the potential to redefine regional and maritime air transport. With its electric propulsion system and amphibious design, it could offer a cleaner, quieter, and more flexible alternative to conventional aircraft, particularly in regions where access and sustainability are equally critical. As the industry continues to innovate, projects like this will play a key role in shaping the future of flight.
FAQ
What is the PHA-ZE 100?
The PHA-ZE 100 is an electric amphibious aircraft under development by Jekta Aerospace, designed to operate on both land and water.
Why is Jekta using a scaled model for testing?
The 1:9 scale model helps validate digital simulations and aerodynamic performance before moving to full-scale production, reducing risk and cost.
When is the full-scale aircraft expected to be ready?
Jekta aims to begin deliveries of the PHA-ZE 100 by 2029, pending successful trials and certification.
Sources: AINonline, Jekta Aerospace, Aviation Week, International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Photo Credit: Jekta
Electric Aircraft
SkyDrive SD-05 eVTOL Design Concept and 2028 Service Plans
SkyDrive publishes design paper on its 12-rotor SD-05 eVTOL, targeting urban operations and 2028 commercial entry.
Japanese advanced air mobility developer SkyDrive Inc. published a technical design concept paper on September 24, 2026, outlining the engineering rationale behind its compact, 12-rotor electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Announced via a company press release, the paper, titled “The eVTOL Safety Dilemma in Congested Urban Environments,” argues that multi-rotor architectures offer superior safety and efficiency for short-range urban operations compared to winged eVTOL configurations like tilt-rotor or lift-and-cruise designs.
Optimizing for low disk loading
SkyDrive designed its SD-05 model specifically for “last-mile” segments within a 30-kilometer (18-mile) radius of city centers. To operate safely in space-constrained urban settings, the manufacturer opted for a 12-rotor configuration. According to the design paper, this layout secures a large total disk area, achieving low disk loading.
Low disk loading improves hovering efficiency and power density. The company stated that this multi-rotor approach provides critical safety redundancy, ensuring single-failure tolerance during operations over densely populated areas. SkyDrive aims to provide “the most accessible air mobility, allowing people to take off directly from the city,” according to the press release.
Global expansion and certification progress
The publication of the design concept follows a series of regulatory and commercial milestones for the manufacturer, which targets a 2028 entry into commercial service. SkyDrive began production of its commercial eVTOL product at a Suzuki Motor Corporation plant in March 2024.
On July 16, 2026, the company commenced formal familiarization meetings with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) to advance its type certification process.
The manufacturer has also expanded its prospective operational footprint through recent international agreements. On August 17, 2026, SkyDrive signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Gold Coast Helitours in Australia. This was followed by an August 25, 2026, partnership announcement with Air India and Suzuki to evaluate medical logistics routes in India. Most recently, on September 17, 2026, SkyDrive signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with South Korean operator Verty Co. Ltd. to prepare for commercial deployment.
AirPro News analysis
We observe a clear strategic divergence in the eVTOL sector between manufacturers pursuing winged lift-and-cruise or tilt-rotor designs and those committing to pure multi-rotor architectures. While winged designs from competitors target regional connectivity with higher cruise speeds and longer ranges, SkyDrive is optimizing strictly for the urban core. By eliminating the aerodynamic complexities of transitioning from vertical to forward wing-borne flight, the company may face a more straightforward path to type certification. However, this design choice inherently limits the aircraft to short-range, intra-city missions, requiring a high-volume operational model to achieve commercial viability.
Sources: SkyDrive Inc. (via Business Wire)
Photo Credit: SkyDrive
Electric Aircraft
NOEMI Aerospace Selects Syensqo Composites for TAC-1 Wing
NOEMI Aerospace picks Syensqo MTM 45-1 and AeroPaste for its 21-meter all-electric amphibious aircraft wing structure.
NOEMI Aerospace has selected advanced materials manufacturer Syensqo to supply carbon fiber composites and structural adhesives for its nine-passenger all-electric amphibious aircraft.
The agreement, announced in a September 10, 2026, press release, secures out-of-autoclave materials critical for fabricating the aircraft’s 21-meter single-span wing structure. The selected materials feature existing National Center for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP) data, which NOEMI intends to leverage for its Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification program.
Composite materials for single-span wing construction
Syensqo will provide its MTM® 45-1 carbon fiber prepreg and AeroPaste® structural paste adhesive for the airframe and wing assembly. NOEMI Aerospace requires out-of-autoclave curing capabilities to accommodate the physical dimensions of the aircraft’s wing skins and spars, which the company plans to manufacture as a continuous 21-meter structure.
Simon Bendrey, Chief Engineer at NOEMI Aerospace, stated that the company needed a primary structure-capable material with proven performance to support this manufacturing approach.
“With Syensqo’s MTM® 45-1, a primary structure capable material with FAA approval and independently verified NCAMP data, we have a solution that will support our certification approach while helping us achieve the low structural weight required for our first prototype aircraft,” Bendrey said.
Bendrey added that the company will utilize the AeroPaste® structural adhesive to bond the wing components. Gerald Perrin, EMEA Sales Director for Syensqo Composite Materials, noted that the selection reflects the aerospace heritage of the company’s product line and its alignment with Electric-Aviation development.
TAC-1 prototype and multi-mission development
The materials partnership advances the construction of NOEMI’s TAC-1 experimental prototype. Following a preliminary design review completed in March 2026, the Norwegian Manufacturers is currently building a ground test rig. According to reporting by Aviation International News, the company expects to run a propeller on the test rig by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
The all-electric seaplane is designed for a range of approximately 200 kilometers, targeting short-haul routes between coastal islands and waterway-connected communities. While initially focused on passenger transport, NOEMI Aerospace, which rebranded from Elfly Group in February 2026, announced a multi-mission Strategy on May 19, 2026. The company plans to adapt the airframe for specialized operations, including aerial firefighting, medical evacuation, troop transport, and skydiving.
AirPro News analysis
We view NOEMI’s selection of an out-of-autoclave composite system with existing NCAMP data as a pragmatic risk-reduction strategy. Electric aircraft developers face strict weight limitations due to current battery energy densities, making lightweight composite structures mandatory rather than optional. By choosing a material that already possesses verified performance data and FAA familiarity, NOEMI can avoid the time and expense of a clean-sheet material qualification program. The ability to cure a 21-meter wing structure outside of a traditional autoclave removes a significant Manufacturing bottleneck and reduces capital equipment costs for early-stage prototype production.
Sources: NOEMI Aerospace
Photo Credit: NOEMI Aerospace
Electric Aircraft
Project SEAN Wins £1.52M for Electric Aviation in Scotland
Bristow-led consortium secures UK DfT funding for a 2027 electric aircraft demonstration across Scotland’s Highlands and Islands.
A consortium led by Bristow Helicopters Limited has secured £1.52 million in UK government funding to conduct a three-month electric aviation demonstration program across Scotland’s Highlands and Islands beginning in 2027.
Announced in a press release on July 23, 2026, the initiative is designated Project SEAN (Scottish Electric Aviation Network). The project aims to evaluate the operational viability of electric aviation in remote regions and is backed by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) as part of its Zero emission flight demonstrator competition. The broader government initiative seeks to accelerate the commercial deployment of zero-emission aircraft from UK airports.
Consortium partners and aircraft selection
Project SEAN brings together multiple aviation and infrastructure entities to test the BETA Technologies ALIA CTOL (CX300), an all-electric conventional takeoff and landing aircraft. Alongside Bristow and BETA Technologies, the consortium includes Electric Aviation Maven Limited, Skyports Infrastructure Limited, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), and the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS).
The demonstration flights will operate from a central hub at Inverness Airport (INV), connecting to regional destinations including Wick John O’Groats Airport (WIC). The three-month flight program is designed to generate operational data regarding aircraft performance, charging infrastructure requirements, and overall airport readiness.
Funding and operational objectives
The UK DfT awarded Project SEAN £1,522,896, supporting a total project cost of £2,125,155. The data collected during the 2027 flight program will inform evidence-based recommendations for integrating electric aircraft into passenger, cargo, and medical service routes.
“Project SEAN brings together organizations committed to exploring how electric aviation can support regional connectivity while reducing emissions across Scotland’s Highlands and Islands. With support from the Department for Transport, we can now move from planning to executing real-world demonstration flights and generating practical insights that will help inform the future of electric aviation in Scotland and beyond.”
Simon Meakins, the Project SEAN consortium lead for Bristow, stated that the group looks forward to working with local communities as the project advances toward its 2027 operational phase.
AirPro News analysis
The selection of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands for Project SEAN highlights the region’s utility as a proving ground for advanced air mobility and electric aviation. The local geography necessitates short, frequent flights to maintain connectivity between remote communities, perfectly matching the current range capabilities of early-generation electric aircraft like the BETA ALIA CTOL. By securing DfT funding, the Bristow-led consortium minimizes financial risk while gaining critical real-world data on charging infrastructure performance in harsh weather conditions. We expect the operational insights gathered at Inverness and Wick to serve as a baseline for broader UK electric aviation policy and infrastructure planning.
Sources: Bristow Group
Photo Credit: Bristow Group
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