Mallard gets second Order for its Amphibious Aircraft from India, Also hits the Quarter Billion Dollar Milestone
Venice. Mallard Aviation has announced another agreement with an Indian company for four more of its new generation ME-1A amphibious aircraft.
This time, it is Goa-based Skylinks Aviation, for the multipurpose regional amphibious airplane which can land or take off from water or land. The earlier MoU was with Gujarat-based VMan Aviation Services for 10 aircraft.
Apparently, the ME-1A, made of lightweight composites, advanced avionics, and powered by two reliable Pratt & Whitney engines, is drawing attention not only in the global market but also in India to connect coastal cities and islands. With a 7,500 km coastline and island territories in the Indian Ocean, India does have a huge civil and military requirement for amphibious planes.
At the recent ‘Future Opportunities for Seaplanes & Amphibious Aviation’ Conference held in Venice, Mallard Enterprises Co-founder and CEO Dan Peabody announced the signing of the latest Letter of Intent, (LOI) for four (4) ME-1A Amphibious Aircraft with Skylinks Aviation bringing Mallard Enterprises cumulative backlog to US $250 million.
The ME-1A is a multi-purpose regional amphibious airplane, which can land and take off from land or water, with a standard seating capacity of 19 passengers offering low emissions, low noise pollution, faster speed, and lower operating costs on short-haul routes. It will have a range of 350 nautical miles (648 kilometres) with 19 passengers and luggage and an extended range of 1050 nautical miles (1945 kilometres) with six passengers, all including typical airline reserves.
“We see a vast potential to operate ME-1A amphibious aircraft and are quite confident that this is the aircraft of the future for India as most of the terrain is exposed to water (sea and rivers). There is substantial growth of the middle class population and a very low cost of infrastructure needed to support the introduction and sustainability of ME-1A amphibious aircraft of Mallard Enterprises in India”, said Jagdish Kotecha, CEO, Skylinks Aviation.
“We’re excited to support Skylinks Aviation in their efforts to grow the last mile regional air travel with amphibious aircraft in India”, Dan told India Strategic, pointing out that the new generation aircraft could be significant for connecting India’s mainland to various islands, both for civil flights and in some cases, strategic needs.
“The ME-1A, with its competitive economics, amphibious capability, and green credentials, fits very well with Skylinks Aviation’s vision, and we see not only the opportunity to reconnect many existing regional routes, but also open many more new ones. We believe this transformation will be good for the people of India, good for the economy as well as for the environment,” said Mohan Chunduri, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Mallard Enterprises.
About Mallard Enterprises
Mallard Enterprises develops runway-independent aviation solutions that increase access, save time, are cost effective, and sustainable. Located in Brunswick, Maine, USA Mallard Enterprises is developing the ME-1A, a composite hull amphibious aircraft for operators who are looking for the world’s most versatile Runway Independence Aircraft.
About Skylinks Aviation
Skylinks is a Goa based operator of seaplanes that provides affordable last mile regional air connectivity. It started as an Aviation Tourism business in 1986 and was the first private Ground Handling Agent at Dabolim Goa Airport, and became a comprehensive provider for Ground Handling Services across the country and also handled executive charter flights and ambulance aircrafts.
