Jekta, the Switzerland-based developer of the PHA-ZE 100 aircraft, has signed an agreement with Solyu for 30 of its zero-emissions amphibious aircraft. The deal, which represents Jekta’s first lessor agreement, brings advanced commitments for Jekta’s amphibious aircraft to more than US$1bn in value.
Solyu, based in Seoul, South Korea, 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 PHA-ZE 100. 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 optimise the sustainable qualities of Jekta aircraft to expand and open new markets,” said Andrew Claerbout, CEO of Solyu. “Low operating costs, flexibility supported by versatile configurations, and zero-emissions operations all deliver added value to our clients seeking to maximise 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.”
“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. 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 milestone for Jekta, which 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 US$1bn; that’s quite an achievement in under two years,” said Alafinov.
Jekta says that transitioning between land and water without additional hardware, the PHA-ZE 100 is optimised 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 are offered, including 19-seat, mixed economy/freight, VIP, corporate shuttle, and air ambulance options.
