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

Kerry Lynch

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.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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.

White House calls for action within 180 days

White House Directs FAA To Lift Supersonic Overland Flight Ban

Airbus Corporate Jets says Latin America accounts for 8% of global business jet fleet

Latin America Takes Significant Stake in Bizjet Market

Richard Pedicini

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.

Exhibit at the bizav event in Brazil follows opening of a service center in May

Dassault Sees Strong Response at Its First Catarina Show

David Donald

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

The King Air 360-based aircraft builds on experience with the lighter multi-mission King Air 260

Latest Special-mission King Air Debuts in Paris

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Aerostructures and engines specialists cherry-pick future tech opportunities 

Maximizing Program Payback Remains GKN’s North Star

The multi-role platform offers an alternative to Lockheed Martin's C-130 aircraft

Export Prospects Boost Embraer's C-390 Airlifter

Matt Thurber

All-composite light jet will feature windowless cabin

Otto’s Phantom Bizjet Promises Midsize Performance and Comfort

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.

More In Aircraft