JEKTA, the Switzerland-based developer of the PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft, today announced that it has selected ZeroAvia’s fuel cell power generation system (PGS) to demonstrate the concept for a fuel cell variant of its electric amphibious flying boat design. The system must be market-ready when the PHA-ZE 100 variant comes to market.

As battery technology continues to develop, JEKTA is committed to exploring all possible options that will extend the range and payload of its zero-emission aircraft. Powered by ZeroAvia’s fuel cell PGS, the PHA-ZE 100 is expected to achieve a range of up to 500 or 600 km and increase payload by up to one ton, further increasing the aircraft’s capacity. Operation and maintenance costs can also be reduced with a hydrogen fuel system that supports a service 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.

“By working with ZeroAvia to define a suitable fuel cell system, we can offer our potential operator customers the choice of two fuel sources. The hydrogen system provides a viable alternative to battery electric power that promises a significant increase in the range of our PHA-ZE 100, which is suitable for operators serving longer regional routes. In contrast, the battery power option is suitable for shorter range missions and operators flying in locations where electric power is more cost-effective and accessible,” said George Alafinov, CEO of JEKTA Switzerland. “ZeroAvia has a strong market position with secure financing, an impressive line-up of customer commitments and a well-developed infrastructure, all of which contributed to our decision to partner with them.”

ZeroAvia is already a prototype flying his whole hydrogen-electric powertrain (ZA600) in a 19-seat testbed aeroplaneIt 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 applications in aerospace.

“The JEKTA team shares our vision of introducing clean aircraft propulsion systems into commercial operations. We see a boom in the seaplane market and we are excited to partner 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 major role in this market,” said Val Miftakhov, CEO at ZeroAvia.

ZeroAvia is also involved in global hydrogen infrastructure projects and has partnerships with nearly 20 airports to explore the operational concept and hydrogen refueling ecosystem required to support route adoption. The company has also been a pioneer in testing on-site hydrogen generation electrolyzers, hydrogen pipeline technology and aircraft refueling equipment in an airport environment. Alafinov sees these as essential components to support an efficient regional amphibious aviation network and plans to work closely with ZeroAvia on both an optimized installation of their PGS in the PHA-ZE 100 and to explore infrastructure development with operator customers.

JEKTA is to exhibit at the Farnborough Airshow in the Swiss Pavilion, stand N4517 , Hall 4. For Job interviews Please come into contact with Jane Stanbury, Arena Group, [email protected] +44 7803 296046.

ZeroAvia is to exhibit at Farnborough Airshow in Hall 1, Stand 1111. Get in touch [email protected]