FIA2024: JEKTA, ZeroAvia “to Collaborate on Hydrogen-Electric Amphibious Aircraft”
JEKTA, the Swiss-based developer of the PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft, has announced “it has selected ZeroAvia’s fuel cell power generation system (PGS) technology to demonstrate the concept of a fuel cell variant of its electric amphibious flying boat design, with a view to line-fit of the system as the PHA-ZE 100 variant comes to market,” reports a press release.
JEKTA is committed to exploring all potential options that may increase the range and payload of its zero-emissions aircraft. Powered by ZeroAvia’s fuel cell PGS, it is anticipated the PHA-ZE 100 will achieve a range of up to 600km and increase the payload to one tonne, adding more capability to the airframe.
The release continues, “Operating and maintenance costs can also be lowered with a hydrogen fuel system supporting a life of up to 20,000 hours. Through close cooperation, JEKTA and ZeroAvia will develop and certify an integrated PGS, including inverters, other electronic components, and a hydrogen tank and fuel system.”
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George Alafinov, CEO of JEKTA Switzerland, commented, “The hydrogen system delivers a viable alternative to electric battery power. It promises a significant increase in the range of our PHA-ZE 100, which will suit operators serving longer regional routes.” He continued, “The battery power option suit shorter-range missions and operators flying in locations where electric power is more cost-effective and accessible.”
The release goes on, “ZeroAvia is already flying a prototype of its entire hydrogen-electric powertrain (ZA600) in a 19-seat testbed aircraft. It has developed a range of flexible low-temperature proton exchange membrane (LTPEM) PGS solutions and novel high-temperature PEM (HTPEM) fuel cells for hydrogen-electric aerospace applications.”
Val Miftakhov, CEO at ZeroAvia, remarked, “We are noting a resurgence in the seaplane market, and we’re excited to work with an innovative company that is leading and shaping the future of amphibious aviation. We see the huge potential for creating zero-emission amphibious flights, and we believe hydrogen-electric propulsion will play a big role in this market.”
ZeroAvia is also involved in global hydrogen infrastructure projects and has collaborations with close to 20 airports to explore the concept of operations and the hydrogen refuelling ecosystem required to support route adoption. The company has also pioneered the testing of electrolysers for on-site hydrogen generation, hydrogen pipeline technology and aircraft refuelling equipment in an airport environment.
Alafinov sees these as essential components supporting an efficient regional amphibious aviation network and plans to work closely with ZeroAvia on both an optimised installation of their PGS in the PHA-ZE 100, and in exploring the infrastructure development with operator customers.

George Alafinov
Meanwhile, the electrically powered, all-composite PHA-ZE 100 amphibious airframe is to be certified to EASA CS-23 and U.S FAA FAR-23 standards for fixed-wing passenger aircraft.
The PHA-ZE 100’s initial flight endurance on battery power is projected at one hour, with a 30-minute reserve, powered by electric motors supplied with energy from batteries or hydrogen fuel cells. The PHA-ZE 100 will operate from coastal waters in waves up to 1.2m high, lakes, waterways, and runways with the latter using its standard retractable wheeled landing gear.
(JEKTA is exhibiting at Farnborough Airshow in the Swiss Pavillion, Hall 4, Booth N4517: ZeroAvia is at Hall 1, Stand 1111)
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(Top graphic image: JEKTA PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft)
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