The 290 was designed by Zappata as a three-seat touring amphibian flying-boat, it had a streamlined single-step hull and an enclosed cabin. Powered by a Salmson 9Ab radial piston engine with a two-bladed pusher propeller. It first flew in October 1931 and as a result of tests was re-designed with a second step in the hull. The 290 was underpowered and over priced and did not enter production, the prototype was scrapped in April 1937.