ASIM, Mar 02
Mallard Enterprises announces the signing of an LOI for thirty (30) ME-1A Amphibious Aircraft with JOLY AIRLINES. One of South Africa’s newest airlines, JOLY AIRLINES is on a mission to redefine the African aviation industry by bridging divides, connecting communities and bringing families together across towns and continents..
“The ME-1A amphibious aircraft’s new generation 21st century design is an ideal addition to the African market. It will provide a safe, reliable, economical, and environmentally sustainable travel experience to connect our customers across areas that were previously inaccessible”, said Shawn J. van der Merwe, JOLY Group Executive Chairman and CEO.
The ME-1A is a regional amphibious airplane, which can land and take-off from land or water, with a standard seating capacity of up to 19 passengers offering low emissions, low noise pollution, faster speed, and low operating costs. It will have a range of over 350 nautical miles (648 kilometres) with 19 passengers and luggage and an extended range of 980 nautical miles (1815 kilometres) with a 10 passenger VIP configuration, all including typical airline fuel reserves.
“Mallard Enterprises is excited to partner with JOLY AIRLINES. Their strong regional knowledge and access to a wealth of relationships within Africa only broadens both our horizons. We share Shawn’s vision of increasing connectivity across the region”, said Dan Peabody, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Mallard Enterprises. “The ME-1A, with its competitive economics, amphibious capability, speed, and green credentials, fits well with JOLY AIRLINE’s vision of a environmental friendly and aware airline”
“JOLY Airlines is addressing a substantial need in the African continent connecting multiple communities within South Africa to many regional countries. We are extremely happy to collaborate with JOLY AIRLINES with our ME-1A 19 passenger hull based amphibious aircraft to support the growth of seaplanes in Africa. As we throw our weight behind JOLY AIRLINES, together we are creating a new benchmark of amphibious aviation in Africa”, said Mohan Chunduri, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Mallard Enterprises.