Maritime Energy Heli Air Services Pvt. Ltd. (MEHAIR) has inked a deal with Jekta for firm order of ten with options for 40 more electrically powered regional amphibious aircraft. With this order, MEHAIR has become the first customer in Asia to place the order. The deliveries are expected to start by 2029.
The first ten aircraft will be delivered in baseline configuration for 19 passengers to support regional connectivity.
"We want to be one of the first aviation companies in the world to operate a zero-emissions aircraft to support regional flights between land and water infrastructure,” commented Siddharth Verma, Director, MEHAIR. “Blessed with a 7,400 km long coastline and a rich diversity of rivers, lakes, backwaters and dams, India is readying for the amphibious aircraft revolution. We are one of the fastest-growing aviation sectors and the world's largest untapped seaplane geography. The PHA-ZE 100 checks all the boxes for meeting this amphibious potential, and we are confident that the affordable airframe will transform the way India travels.”
MEHAIR has served destinations across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, across Maharashtra and is adding new routes under the government of India’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme, which aims to connect small towns in India through subsidized air routes and infrastructure development
The Jekta PHA-ZE 100 includes low maintenance and fuel costs, reduced noise, no pollution impact, and minimal aviation infrastructure, combine to make the airframe an optimal platform for sustainable and new routes across the region claims MEHAIR
“We aim to drastically reduce per-passenger-per-hour flight costs compared with existing seaplanes, we are exploring the options for redefining single pilot operations in the commercial sector, and we are committed to attracting a new workforce into aviation, all of which will support Indian amphibious operations,” commented George Alafinov, Chief Executive, Jekta Switzerland. “We know that the Indian government has defined multiple water routes across India and is launching some 100 seaplane routes. We are delighted to work with MEHAIR to cater to this new and exciting market’s dynamic demands.”