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our mission
To deliver sustainable, zero-emissions, amphibious airframes that optimise existing and new infrastructure to support safe, efficient, multiple operating parameters that add value to the global air transport network

Our Team​

The Jekta team consists of aviation professionals, highly experienced technical experts, and well-versed international business executives that together are responsible for driving Jekta airframes from concept to first flight and beyond. The combined talent is unmatched, and we are proud to be supported by such a formidable team.

Sergey
Alafinov

President
& Co-founder

Sergey has been founder and CEO of Aerovolga and holds several patents for Amphibian aircraft. In 2018 he was awarded with Distinguished Medal by Federation Aeronautique International (Lausanne) for the first ever voyage around the North Pole on an amphibious aircraft.

George
Alafinov​

CEO
& Co-founder

George had started his career in Commodity trading, later on switching to Commercial Aviation. In his last position George was Managing Partner of a commercial airline, successfully overseeing the transition of its aging fleet of legacy aircraft to Airbus A220, becoming the first A220 operator in Central Asia.

Max
Pinucci

Head of Design
& Board member

Max is a distinguished professor of ISIA Firenze, he has participated in designing of more than 25 aircraft and airships, including 20 years’ experience with Pipistrel, where he was instrumental in designing the first ever electric and hybrid aircraft as for Alpha Electro, Hypstair and Velis.

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Dimitri
Suslakov

Head of Aircraft Design

Dimitry has been Chief Aircraft Designer in Aerovolga for 20 years. Over career of 35 years Dimitry has designed more then 40 amphibian aircraft. Dimitry had also been a professor of Aircraft Design in Samara Aviation University.

Sergiy
Araslanov

Head of Research

Sergiy has long spanning career in aviation. Sergiy had been assistant professor of aircraft design for 20 years, then moving in manufacturing where went to become Director for Strategic Planning, and later Deputy General Director of “Ukrainian Aviation” group, in charge of AN 74 and AN 140 programs. Sergiy has published more then 1000 articles on a wide range of aviation topics: ranging from design and aerodynamics to material science and manufacturing.

wouter-du-perez-jekta

Wouter
du Preez

Chief Investment Officer

Wouter is a former investment banker and previously served as Global Head of Aviation at Rand Merchant Bank. With over 25 years of expertise in leasing, structured finance, private equity, venture capital and sustainable alternative investments, he has a proven global track record in aerospace and real assets finance. He also served as Director of Structured Finance for Africa / Middle East at Bombardier Aerospace. Wouter currently serves as Chief Investment Officer at Jekta Switzerland, where he collaborates closely with the Chief Executive Officer on investment relations including capital raising, and managing sales and commercial relationships

Natalia
Terrapon

HR
& Administration

Natalia is an accomplished human resources specialist with a wealth of experience supporting multinational corporations, spanning an impressive 15 years. Her expertise lies in effectively managing human resources and optimizing the employee experience to drive organizational success. With her deep understanding of HR practices and policies, and knowledge of Swiss labour laws, Natalia has consistently delivered results by implementing strategic initiatives that align with the company’s objectives. Natalia’s educational background adds a unique dimension to her skill set. She holds a diploma in electromechanical engineering, which has equipped her with analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities that she seamlessly applies in her HR role. This technical foundation enables her to approach HR challenges with a holistic perspective, considering the organization’s human and technical aspects. Natalia is responsible for supporting the growth and expansion of Jekta by seeking out the most valuable of human resources.

Yana
Lebedeva

Head of Airworthiness & certification

Yana is a highly skilled aircraft design engineer specializing in airworthiness and certification, with an aviation career spanning more than two decades. With her expertise and meticulous approach, she has played a vital role in overseeing the successful certification of multiple amphibian aircraft. Yana recognizes the importance of creating solid relationships with all stakeholders involved in driving airframe airworthiness. She works closely with engineering teams, regulatory authorities, and testing agencies to ensure compliance with stringent airworthiness requirements. Her expertise extends to all phases of the certification process, from initial design and testing to final approval and ongoing maintenance. Yana is responsible for charting the certification and airworthiness path for Jekta airframes.

Jane
Stanbury

Head of
Communication

Jane is a media communications and business development professional with more than 30 years of experience in the media, aviation and luxury travel sectors. Having researched, launched, financed, developed, and successfully sold two of her businesses, and with a first-class MBA, Jane brings a fresh big-picture perspective to communications and an intelligent approach to understanding, interpreting, and communicating with a global audience. In addition to providing specialist knowledge, regularly networking with industry colleagues, and writing for several aviation titles, Jane is responsible for helping Jekta find and define its voice to communicate with all its stakeholders.

Elena
Degl'Innocenti

Aircraft Interior & Visual Design

Coming from 10 years working side by side with head of design, Elena took part of the development of the most interesting european aircraft companies,  with a primary focus on aviation aesthetics and a strong presence in multimedia. She bring a peculiar blend of design expertise, going side by side with our technical department, combining form and function in aircraft interiors. Simultaneously, the focus of human centred design spread across other sectors, developing captivating visual experiences across multimedia projects, enhancing both Jekta aviation and multimedia ventures.

Our story

Background of Jekta

Jekta is run by an executive team that has already designed, certified, manufactured and sold conventional amphibious airframes. 

This knowledge is being transferred to to our electric airframes using decades of experience in manufacturing and supporting aircraft operators.

Borey aircraft

we are located at

Swiss Aeropole.
From the heart of Europe, A new class of amphibious aircraft, delivering sustainable flight

The golden era of magnificent seaplanes

Originally seaplanes pioneered the use of seas, rivers, and waterways as endless runways. They connected regions, nations, and continents in grand style. In the past, they represented the glamorous art of travel during a golden age of aviation, today they offer new environmentally friendly ways of connecting communities, delivering a valuable addition to the global aviation network, and with our PHA-ZE 100 bring back the joy of flight in beautiful aircraft.

We wanted to pay homage to some seaplanes that have become design icons. Like the PBY Catalina, with its proverbial ruggedness. Or the magnificence of the Short Sunderland. Or the unusual formula of the Blohm & Voss BV 138.

We stand on the shoulders of aviation giants, drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of amphibian aircraft, that have played a pivotal role in expanding human access to remote and challenging locations.

Our commitment to building electric seaplanes is not just a technological leap; it’s a continuation of the legacy of these versatile aircraft.
By harnessing electric propulsion, we aim to minimize our ecological footprint and reduce the impact of aviation on the environment, all while maintaining the capabilities and spirit of the seaplanes of the golden age of aviation.

Img on top: Dornier WAL in Venice
Img on the right: S55 Taking off ©Wikipedia

Looking back

heritage of amphibious era

This heritage reminds us of the importance of versatility, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of innovation.

COMPANY VALUES

NEWS

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If you want to be part of the regional amphibious revolution please get in touch

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