The first ten (or 50)
Maritime Energy Heli Air Services (Mehair) has inked a deal with Jekta, the Switzerland-based Pha-Ze 100 amphibious aircraft manufacturer, for ten firm orders and options for 40 more. The Indian seaplane operator would therefore be the first customer to receive the aircraft in Asia, with initial deliveries starting in 2029.
Based in Mumbai, Mehair has been operating seaplanes since 2011 and has acquired the aircraft to update its fleet with a sustainable option. Director Siddharth Verma: "We want to be one of the first aviation companies in the world to operate a zero-emissions aircraft to support regional flights."
The Pha-Ze 100 will be certified to Easa CS-23 and US FAA FAR-23 standards for fixed-wing passenger aircraft. Its flexible configuration also provides a mixed economy/freight option. (ah)