Jekta signs lessor agreement with Solyu for 30 planes

Jekta has signed its first lessor agreement with Seoul-based firm Solyu for 30 aircraft.

The deal brings commitments for Jekta’s PHA-ZE 100 to more than $1bn and represents the first amphibious aircraft in Solyu’s regional air mobility portfolio. 

“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,” said George Alafinov, CEO of Jekta. “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.”

Jekta’s amphibious flying boat will be certified to EASA’s CS-23 in Europe and the FAA’s FAR-23 standards in the US for fixed-wing passenger aircraft.

Andrew Claerbout, CEO of Solyu said: “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.

Alafinov added: “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.”