Jekta Unveils Scale Model of PHA-ZE 100 Electric Amphibious Aircraft

Jekta Advances Electric Amphibian Program with 1:9 Scale Model Unveiling

Swiss aerospace manufacturer Jekta has officially unveiled a 1:9 scale model of its PHA-ZE 100 (Passenger Hydro Aircraft, Zero Emissions 100), marking a critical milestone in the development of its 19-passenger electric aviation amphibious aircraft. The announcement, made on December 11, 2025, confirms that the company has moved into active flight testing with the sub-scale demonstrator to validate its aerodynamic and hydrodynamic designs.

According to the company’s announcement, the remote-controlled model is currently undergoing flight campaigns in Italy. These tests are designed to gather real-world data that will be cross-referenced with computer simulations, ensuring the airframe is mature before the company proceeds to full-scale production. Jekta aims to reintroduce the utility of the “flying boat” to the global market, targeting an entry into service by 2030.

Flight Testing and Validation

The newly unveiled model represents a significant engineering step for the Payerne-based company. While digital modeling provides a theoretical baseline, physical testing of the 1:9 scale model allows engineers to observe how the hull interacts with water during takeoff and landing, as well as how the distributed electric propulsion system performs in flight.

The testing is taking place near the base of Jekta’s Head of Design, Max Pinucci, in Italy. In a statement regarding the program’s progress, Jekta CEO George Alafinov emphasized the practical utility of the large-scale model:

“The 1:9 scale model is large enough to provide data representative of the full-size aircraft and is allowing us to efficiently expand the test envelope… ensuring the aircraft’s maturity as we work towards introducing it to the global air transport network in 2030.”

, George Alafinov, CEO of Jekta

PHA-ZE 100 Technical Specifications

The full-scale PHA-ZE 100 is designed to serve coastal communities, island nations, and regional routes that lack extensive airport infrastructure. By utilizing existing waterways and standard runways, the aircraft offers operational flexibility without the need for the expensive vertiports often required by eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) competitors.

According to technical details released by the manufacturer, the aircraft will feature:

• Capacity: 19 passengers in a standard economy configuration, with options for VIP or cargo layouts.
• Propulsion: Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP) utilizing 8 electric motors mounted on the wings for redundancy and safety.
• Speed: A cruise speed of 110–135 knots (approximately 200–250 km/h).
• Certification Basis: The aircraft is being developed to meet EASA CS-23 and FAA FAR-23 standards.

Battery vs. Hydrogen Variants

Jekta has outlined a dual-propulsion strategy to meet different market needs. The base model will utilize battery-electric technology, offering a range of approximately 150 km, suitable for short inter-island hops. However, through a partnership with ZeroAvia, Jekta is also developing a hydrogen fuel cell variant. This configuration is projected to quadruple the effective range to nearly 600 km, making regional connectivity viable for zero-emission operators.

AirPro News Analysis

The Return of the Flying Boat

Jekta’s progress highlights a growing sub-sector in sustainable aviation: the modernization of the amphibious aircraft. While the “Golden Age” of flying boats faded after World War II due to the rise of long runways and jet engines, the format solves a specific modern problem. Developing nations in Southeast Asia and archipelagos like the Maldives often struggle to build land-based runways due to ecological concerns or lack of space. The PHA-ZE 100’s ability to operate from water offers an “infrastructure-light” solution.

We note that Jekta faces competition in this niche, specifically from Norway’s Elfly Group, which is developing the 9-seat “Noemi,” and the US-based REGENT, which is building the “Viceroy” seaglider. However, Jekta’s 19-seat capacity places it in a larger utility class, potentially appealing to operators looking to replace aging Twin Otters or Cessna Caravans on over-water routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Jekta PHA-ZE 100 enter service?

Jekta is targeting an entry into service (EIS) for 2030 or 2031, following certification under EASA and FAA regulations.

What is the range of the aircraft?

The battery-electric version has a range of approximately 150 km, while the hydrogen fuel cell variant aims for a range of up to 600 km.

Is this a vertical takeoff (VTOL) aircraft?

No. The PHA-ZE 100 is an amphibious aircraft that takes off and lands horizontally on water (using its hull) or on land (using retractable wheels). It does not require the complex tilt-rotor mechanisms found in eVTOLs.

Sources

• Jekta Switzerland