JEKTA’s Zero Emission Hydro Seaplane Uses Hydrogen for Long Journeys or Electric Power for Short Flights.
The Swiss clean energy aviation startup JEKTA has announced a partnership with fuel cell propulsion system developer ZeroAvia to extend the operational range and payload capacity of their upcoming amphibious electric transport aircraft named PHA-ZE 100, as reported by New Atlas on July 22. Over the past few years, JEKTA has designed the PHA-ZE 100 (Passenger Hydro Aircraft Zero Emission 100) based on a battery electric propulsion system.
Zero emission seaplane with a range of 600km. (Photo: JEKTA/ZeroAvia).
The new seaplane model will feature a composite airframe to prevent erosion, 10 electric propulsion motors of 180 kW with front-facing propellers, providing a cruising speed of nearly 250 km/h and a fast-charging battery sufficient for short flights lasting one hour from islands in the sea to bays in Scandinavia. The battery reserve lasts up to 30 minutes to accommodate unexpected changes in flight plans.
The aircraft can carry 19 passengers and a crew of 3. The interior cabin will utilize materials such as cork, natural fiber composites, and plant-based leather. JEKTA has recently partnered with MBVision to design various interior packages for the aircraft, including economy, business, VIP, and medical transport classes.
According to the company, the aircraft’s configuration allows for takeoff and landing in coastal areas, rivers, canals, lagoons, as well as on land runways. This design can integrate current and future energy storage solutions. The initial plan was to use battery technology to power the electric motors, but the collaboration with ZeroAvia allows for the addition of a hydrogen fuel version, enabling longer zero-emission flights with greater payload capacity. At this stage, the collaboration enhances the operational range to 500 – 600 km and the payload capacity to one ton.
George Alafinov, CEO of JEKTA, stated that the hydrogen system provides a viable alternative to battery power, significantly increasing the range of the PHA-ZE 100, making it suitable for operators on long routes in the region. In contrast, the battery-powered version will be ideal for short-haul missions and operators in locations where electricity is more cost-effective and accessible.
JEKTA and ZeroAvia will develop and seek certification for the hydrogen fuel cell integrated system for the PHA-ZE 100. The first PHA-ZE 100 is expected to be delivered to customers in 2029.
