Seaplane Asia Acquires Amphibious Aircraft at Farnborough Airshow
Key Ideas
- Seaplane Asia has signed an agreement to acquire fourteen Jekta PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow.
- The 19-passenger electric-powered PHA-ZE 100 aircraft is still under development and aims for EASA CS-23 and US FAA FAR-23 certification.
- The CEO of Seaplane Asia, Dennis Keller, expressed confidence in the PHA-ZE 100's capabilities, citing sustainability, performance, and design as key factors in the decision.
- Seaplane Asia plans to use the Jekta airframes for short-distance flights, island hopping, sightseeing, and yacht transfers in Southeast Asia.
During the Farnborough Airshow, Hong Kong-based Seaplane Asia finalized an agreement to purchase fourteen Jekta PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft. These aircraft, still in the development phase, are designed to be electric-powered with the potential for hydrogen fuel cell integration, offering sustainability benefits. The CEO of Seaplane Asia, Dennis Keller, highlighted the aircraft's promising features such as performance in rough waters, reduced operating costs, and contemporary cabin design. Seaplane Asia, known for promoting start-ups in Southeast Asia, envisions using the Jekta airframes for various purposes including short-distance flights and island hopping. While the start-ups like Siam Seaplane and Santai Seaplane are still in the planning stages, the acquisition of the Jekta aircraft represents a significant step towards realizing their transport goals in the region.