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DUBAI—Swiss startup Jekta announced an agreement on Nov. 17 with Innovative Aerosystems (IA) that will see the development of a customized, new iteration of Liberty, IA's flight deck technology, for the under-development PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft.
Development of Jekta's PHA-ZE 100, which debuted in Abu Dhabi in 2022, is on schedule, the company said, with a 1:9 scale model currently undergoing flight testing following completion of the critical design review.
The specialist flight deck avionics system will use logic and AI to improve redundancy and mitigate technical failures, and enhance operational capabilities for multi-purpose applications across diverse operating environments, the companies said.
The Liberty Jekta system features new graphic designs that modify the existing user interface to better suit amphibious operations and reduce single-pilot workload. For operators flying in austere, remote or challenging locations, or where English is not the local first language, text-based messaging will assist pilot-to-ground communication, which is aimed at streamlining workload and enhancing safety.
The PHA-ZE 100 has already received more than $1.35bn of forward commitments from operators in the Middle East, India and Asia, with Gayo Aviation, Mehair, Solyu and Seaplane Asia among others demonstrating commitment.
Jekta has also agreed collaboration with a number of third parties, including the UK's Open Skies Network group, and UAE operator Tahseen, to identify the potential for amphibious operations in diverse regions of the world.
“IA has a reputation for supplying rugged equipment capable of operating in the harshest environments, including humid, aquatic, sandy, or dusty conditions,” Jekta CEO George Alfinov said.
“The company's familiarity with the requirements of amphibious fire-bomber operations, whether in salt or freshwater, also makes the Liberty avionics an ideal fit for the PHA-ZE 100,” he added.
It is anticipated that the first PHA-ZE 100 aircraft will enter service in 2030 with its launch customer, Dubai-based Gayo Aviation.
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