Jekta has signed its first lessor agreement, for 30 zero-emissions amphibious aircraft, with Solyu. This deal brings advanced commitments for the aircraft to more than $1 billion in value.

Seoul, South Korea-based Solyu will offer financial and leasing solutions to operator customers seeking to harness the sustainable qualities of the PHA-ZE 100, the first amphibious aircraft in Solyu's regional advanced air mobility portfolio.

Solyu has already signed a letter of intent for 25 commuter Alice aircraft with options for an additional 25 with Eviation Aircraft, and agreed to a pre-order of up to 50 SD-05 eVTOL aircraft with SkyDrive.

“We are excited by the potential that the PHA-ZE 100 gives to our clients, which can optimise the sustainable qualities of Jekta aircraft to expand and open new markets. Low operating costs, flexibility supported by versatile configurations and zero emissions operations all deliver added value to our clients seeking to maximise operational efficiencies while still meeting the industry's mandates on carbon emission reduction. The minimal infrastructure requirements needed to support PHA-ZE 100 operations are also attractive, and we expect strong interest from our customers in both the hydrogen and electric variants,” says Solyu CEO Andrew Claerbout.

“We know leasing companies play a crucial and influential role in the aerospace sector, offering operators financial flexibility and affordability to expand fleets and networks. We're looking forward to forging strong relationships with Solyu and its clients as we anticipate the aircraft will enhance networks, increase operational use cases and add market opportunities for all stakeholders in this segment,” says George Alafinov, CEO of Jekta. “The deal confirms that the wider aviation sector welcomes our vision of incorporating the benefits of amphibious operations into the global air transport system. With Solyu providing leasing and financing access to our aircraft, operators can sustainably develop new routes and support connections to those currently disconnected by water, doing so in style but at low operating costs.”

The agreement with Solyu represents a significant milestone for Jekta, which only launched in December 2022 and already has a strong order book. “We are also proud that the inking of this important first lessor deal drives the value of our forward interest to more than $1 billion; that's quite an achievement in under two years,” concludes Alafinov.

Seamlessly transitioning between land and water without additional hardware, the PHA-ZE 100 is optimised to serve coastal and island communities, regional routes currently limited by operational costs and to support new low-cost, sustainable services between cities without the need to install expensive land infrastructure. The amphibious flying boat will be certified to EASA CS-23 and US FAA FAR-23 standards for fixed-wing passenger aircraft. Flexible configurations, including 19 seat, mixed economy/freight, VIP, corporate shuttle and air ambulance options, make the most of the PHA-ZE 100's spacious, contemporary cabin.