Swiss startup Jekta has completed its second 1:9-scale prototype of the PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft and is preparing for an intensive flight-test campaign starting in January. The tests—conducted on two scaled demonstrators—will validate aerodynamics, water operations and the distributed-propulsion system designed to enable extremely short takeoffs. With most suppliers already secured, Jekta is moving toward the construction of its first full-scale hydrogen-powered aircraft, developed in partnership with ZeroAvia. Recent collaborations, including a new avionics deal with Innovative Aerosystems and a route-development study in the UAE, Oman and Qatar, highlight growing global interest. Jekta’s conditional orderbook has reached $1.35 billion, with expectations to exceed $2 billion by 2026 as demand for efficient, safe and fast amphibious transport continues to rise.
