Jekta, developer of the PHA-ZE 100 (Passenger Hydro Aircraft – Zero Emission 100) amphibious electric aircraft, has revealed the first interiors for its economy-class ‘Traveller’ and full-executive ‘Corporate’ cabin configurations for amphibious airframes.
Industrial design studio, MBVision, was brought in for the design process, which involved simulating how passengers, crew, pilots, operators and maintenance teams will interact with the aircraft. The ergonomics focus on delivering comfort, safety and functionality within an airframe that provides multiple operating parameters, including taking off and landing on both water and land.
Jekta says the interiors can be adapted to support a range of applications, including multi-leg, regional passenger flights, experiential high-end tourism voyages, or intense roadshow itineraries for corporate and government use. Cargo, medevac, VVIP, and search and rescue variants will follow.
MBVision applied its 20 years of aviation experience to integrate simplicity, modularity and lightness with durability, cleanliness, new materials, and functionality. The multidisciplinary team worked closely with partners, suppliers and potential customers to shape the style.
Design highlights include thin, lightweight modular seating, and an aft lavatory, which will feature in the first production airframe.
The PHA-ZE 100 as a non-pressurised airframe, with design features intended to shape an onboard experience that blends contemporary aviation form with elements from the marine sector, such as wooden-style flooring, galley-style refreshment or bar areas, and panoramic windows that let in light to emulate the at-sea experience.
Inflight connectivity is incorporated, enabling passengers and crew to be productive, entertained and in touch, even on short flights. With one eye on weight and one on aesthetics, Jekta is working with material libraries to integrate next-generation flexible screens in the upholstery. The interior design also augments the aircraft’s sustainable ambitions, with the materials selected being eco-friendly and recyclable.
“We believe these interiors express our ambition of creating a disruptive, original style of travel within a new mode of transport,” said Max Pinucci, head of industrial design at Jekta. “We have created an elegant cabin for airlines flying multiple legs daily, alongside a stylish cabin that adheres to the principles of being environmentally friendly internally and externally. This highlights our commitment to providing a zero-emissions airframe that supports many applications.”
“Our interiors follow all the necessary certification requirements yet set new standards of elegance and functionality to create an unparalleled onboard experience,” Pinucci continued. “We want our customers not just to fly but to feel that they are travelling in an environment designed around their needs, comfort and safety. At the same time, we are meeting the operators’ needs in terms of ease of maintenance, operability and profitability.”
Gayo Aviation, a global provider of private and specialist aviation services, will receive the first Corporate cabins, and Mehair, an Indian operator, will initially welcome the Traveller cabin to connect communities living around water.