FIA: Jekta and Seaplane Asia sign deal for 14 aircraft
Jekta and Hong Kong-based operator Seaplane Asia have signed an agreement for the purchase of 14 amphibious PHA-ZE 100 aircraft.
Signed at the Farnborough Airshow but initially agreed at The Future Opportunities for Seaplanes and Amphibious Aviation conference held in Venice in March, when fulfilled the order will expand Seaplane Asia’s fleet of mainly Cessna aircraft.
Seaplane Asia is developing and reviewing several new markets and will likely use Jekta’s aircraft for short-distance flights such as island hopping, transport from airports to waterfront locations, sightseeing flights and yacht transfers.
George Alafinov, CEO Jekta Switzerland, told us he sees huge opportunity in operations linked to luxury hotels. “Five-star hotels recognise that their customer experience starts at the aircraft. Current aircraft are no longer suited to meet those needs.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Seaplane Asia in leading the way in sustainable amphibious aviation in a region that we believe has incredible potential for our type of offering. We told them about our project, they did a lot of research, they approached it diligently and I respect that. The fact is they see like we do a huge opportunity in their core business servicing luxury hotels,” he added.
With PHA-ZE 100 being developed in battery-electric and hydrogen variants the agreement also supports Seaplane Asia’s goals of delivering environmentally friendly and lower cost operations. The airframe’s lower operating costs are also expected to open up new revenue streams as it enables access to more affordable flights for a wider passenger market.
Dennis Keller, CEO of Seaplane Asia said: “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. 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.”
The agreement has not seen any money change hands yet, but Revolution.Aero understands a pre-delivery payment (PDP) structure will see PDPs made as certain programme milestones are achieved.
Alafinov and his team have delivered two amphibious aircraft — the AeroVolga LA-8 and AeroVolga Borey — before Jekta was founded, about 30 of these aircraft can be found flying around the world, particularly in Asia. “They [Seaplane Asia] can see what we have done before so there is high confidence in the team. But we also want to be honest with all of our customers. These letters of intent or letters of enthusiasm are extremely important to us because we are trying to show the world the renaissance of the seaplane industry,” he said.
The first airframes are expected to be delivered in 2030, with Jekta also providing training and maintenance support.
