Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Jekta has begun flight trials with a 1:9 scaled demonstrator of its PHA-ZE 100 electric amphibious aircraft. The Swiss company announced on June 9 that flight trials have begun, but the location was not disclosed.
The tests are being conducted to gather data on how the design performs when operating from water, with a view to validating earlier digital simulations. The demonstrator is fitted with a distributed electric powerplant and onboard batteries and will continue to be flown through to September.
According to Jekta, it is now modifying a pair of amphibious flying boats that will be used as proof-of-concept aircraft to assess the combined digital and real-world data. This work is expected to provide input for detailed design modifications to the first full-scale prototype of the PHA-ZE 100, which the company aims to start producing at its facility in Payerne in 2028 or 2029.
<h2>Ultralights Are Part of the Development Path</h2>
“The flight testing marks an important milestone on our journey to bring next-generation electric amphibious aircraft to operators globally,” said Jekta’s CEO and co-founder, George Alafinov. “Flying the scaled models and modified ultralights moves Jekta one step closer to flying a full-scale prototype of the PHA-ZE 100, confirming that we’re on track with plans to introduce our new aircraft to the global air transport network in 2030.”
Jekta has already produced more than 90 single-engine ultralight and twin-engine flying boats. “We are drawing on years of amphibious aircraft experience by basing our full-size testbeds on ultralight aircraft of our design,” Alafinov explained. “That experience means customers can be confident that the PHA-ZE 100 is built on solid foundations by engineers who understand how to trial the real-world application of amphibious aircraft design successfully.”
According to Jekta, it has <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-09-05/leasing-group-solyu-agrees-buy-jektas-electric-amphibious">provisional sales commitments</a> for the 19-passenger PHA-ZE 100 valued at more than $1 billion. The aircraft will be certified under Part 23 rules and will be able to operate in waves of up to 1.2 meters (3.9 feet).

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Jekta Starts Flight Trials with Amphibious Aircraft Demonstrator

1:9 scaled model of the PHA-ZE 100 will be used to validate digital simulations

Before it builds a full-scale prototype of its PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft, Jekta is conducting trials with a 1:9 scaled demonstrator to gather real-world data.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Deal signed in the same week EHang sells 50 autonomous eVTOLs to a Chinese customer

Eve Signs Agreement with eVTOL Air Taxi Partners in Costa Rica

Charlotte Bailey

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Turkish aerospace company acquires Italian aerospace entities following regulatory approval

Baykar Completes Piaggio Aerospace Acquisition

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Undisclosed business jet buyer has yet to announce service offering

Mystery Customer Buying Up to 120 Global, Challenger Jets

Dale Smith

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber has operated its fleet of flying ambassadors since 1925

Celebrating the Goodyear Blimp’s 100th Birthday

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

Interim managing director Stefan Benz will take more time to consider long-term options

Decision on EBACE Show’s Future Deferred until Late July

Hanneke Weitering

FlyNYON will offer aerial photography flights on Beta’s Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft

NYC Helitour Operator FlyNYON Orders Beta’s eVTOL Aircraft

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

More In Aircraft

Eve Signs Agreement with eVTOL Air Taxi Partners in Costa Rica

Deal signed in the same week EHang sells 50 autonomous eVTOLs to a Chinese customer

Baykar Completes Piaggio Aerospace Acquisition

Turkish aerospace company acquires Italian aerospace entities following regulatory approval

Mystery Customer Buying Up to 120 Global, Challenger Jets

Undisclosed business jet buyer has yet to announce service offering

Celebrating the Goodyear Blimp’s 100th Birthday

Goodyear Tire & Rubber has operated its fleet of flying ambassadors since 1925

Decision on EBACE Show’s Future Deferred until Late July

Interim managing director Stefan Benz will take more time to consider long-term options

NYC Helitour Operator FlyNYON Orders Beta’s eVTOL Aircraft

FlyNYON will offer aerial photography flights on Beta’s Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft

Step Aboard Qatar Executive's Gulfstream G700 Business Jet

Get a glimpse of Qatar's unique interior appointments.

EHang Plans Cold-weather eVTOL Trials in China’s Jilin Province

Jilin signs preliminary purchase agreement for 41 EH216-S aircraft

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN