By Marc Kowalsky
on 23.06.2024
Source: BILANZ
The Business Idea
Developing the world’s first electric-powered 19-seat amphibious aircraft. Redefining regional transport with sustainable propulsion and using the world’s waterways as infrastructure. The PHA-ZE 100 will provide the growing global population with better access to affordable air travel, creating new markets and expanding existing ones.
How Did It Start?
As a family business, we successfully developed, built, and certified small amphibious aircraft. Conversations with operators, airlines, and governments revealed strong demand for electric aircraft to support sustainable travel.
Why the Name?
Jekta is derived from a Norwegian term meaning “traditional family heirloom ship.”
Where Did the Initial Capital Come From?
From angel investors, friends, family, and our own contributions.
How Do You Generate Revenue?
Through the sale of aircraft across various sectors, including commercial passenger, cargo, medical, search and rescue, civil, and recreational aviation.
The Vision
Saving time, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and providing affordable air travel for billions of new passengers. The ability to land on both water and land, combined with reduced operating costs, offers economic advantages and improved access to air transportation.
The Strength
Our experience, location, and industry acceptance. We are a professional team with a proven track record and respect among industry peers. Our assembly plant is located at the heart of the sustainable aviation hub in Payerne. The media appreciates what we do.
The Biggest Challenge
There are only a limited number of suppliers offering new aviation technologies. Additionally, we must demonstrate the value of integrating a growing amphibious market into the air transport network.
The Greatest Success So Far
We have an order book worth $600 million, reflecting the diverse applications of our aircraft design. Customers include regional transport operators, adventure tourism providers, business charter flights, independent leasing companies, luxury travel providers, and more.
The Biggest Surprise So Far
The recognition of opportunities in this sector by other market players. We’ve just returned from the world’s first event dedicated to amphibious aviation. Enthusiasm for this sector is evident, not only within the industry but also among the media, airlines, governments, and a growing number of transport-focused investors.
The Next Step
Having completed the initial design phase, the focus now is on creating scale models to test the design’s hydro- and aerodynamic functions. Aircraft development is an iterative process involving many stages.
“Geostrategic Risk”
“Globally, airport infrastructure offers limited opportunities for expansion. For example, London City Airport has only one runway but is surrounded by water. Using seas, lakes, or rivers for takeoff and landing makes sense, but it’s not common practice in many regions. The seaplane market is dominated by Canada’s Twin Otter, but its technology is half a century old and has seen little innovation during that time. Jekta, on the other hand, offers a new concept with its 19-seat electric amphibious aircraft: true innovation and real engineering! This deserves support, potentially even from governments. However, the aircraft isn’t designed for long distances, limiting it to regional transport—a market that is inherently small.
The company founder and his father have already built 300 conventional seaplanes in Russia, an invaluable experience. They clearly know what they’re doing and present themselves professionally. However, most of their staff is still based in Russia, raising questions about geostrategic risk, even as operations are being centralized in Payerne. Whether they’ll find enough investors remains uncertain—it’s not easy right now. Nevertheless, Jekta has secured many letters of intent from customers. The company should now consider engaging with regional airlines as strategic partners.”
“Long Wait”
“In recent years, many have attempted to enter the electric aircraft sector. Companies like Volocopter and Lilium have struggled, as the combination of sustainability and hardware poses significant challenges. The electric seaplane market is even more niche—not a B2C market for millionaires flying to their islands, but one for regional airlines in places like the Maldives, the Philippines, or Indonesia. It could also appeal to hotel chains that want to fly in their guests rather than ferry them by motorboat. The question of scalability naturally arises.
Jekta is an interesting story, but the company is still in a very early stage and needs to better organize itself. The Russian background doesn’t help in the current climate. However, the founder and his team have already built hundreds of combustion-engine aircraft over the past 20 years, so they know what they’re doing. Jekta has also developed a flyable prototype, but certification won’t be achieved until 2029. The order book is impressive, but these are not binding purchase contracts, as certain conditions still need to be met. It will be a long wait before the company generates actual revenue. But if they succeed, the seaplane market could be theirs!”
