India’s MEHAIR Orders up to 50 ME-1A Amphibious Planes from US Mallard Enterprises
Farnborough Airshow, July 22. Gujarat-based MEHAIR has announced an LOI (Letter of Intent) for up to 50 ME-1A new generation amphibious aircraft from the US Mallard Enterprises.
MEHAIR, or Maritime Energy Heli Air Services, is India’s premier seaplane company, pioneering their services form 2011, and till date remains their only operator in the Indian subcontinent. The LOI was announced on the opening day of the Farnborough Airshow, being held July 22 – 26.
Said Siddharth Verma, Managing Director, on the occasion: “MEHAIR is committed to promote a robust amphibious seaplane industry in India. With the world committed to ‘Net Zero’, MEHAIR remains conscious of its responsibility to contribute towards this objective and has identified Mallard Enterprises as its premier partner for achieving this goal. We are confident that these new generation ME-1A amphibious aircraft of 21st century design will provide reliable, economical, and environmentally sustainable connectivity solutions for our customers.”
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 reserves.
The aircraft is multipurpose, is made with latest technologies and components, and has “remarkable ability to seamlessly transition between land and water, offering unparalleled access to new destinations.” Seeking a transition to green aviation in line with its vision, the company has proactively moved towards becoming early adopters of sustainable aviation technologies for the fastest growing aviation market in the world.
The pioneering spirit of the MEHAIR management, spurred by the Government of India’s UDAN initiative to provide ‘last mile’ connectivity has brought the company to the cusp of an extraordinary opportunity
Dan Peabody, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Mallard Enterprises, observed: “As the pioneering modern seaplane company in India, we’re extremely pleased to be part of MEHAIR’s commitment to the growth of a robust amphibious seaplane industry.”
“With its competitive economics, amphibious capability, speed, and green credentials, the ME-1A, fits very well with MEHAIR’s vision, and we see not only the opportunity to connect many existing regional routes, but also open many more new ones.”
“MEHAIR is at the forefront of launching modern seaplane services in India and is moving rapidly towards a pan-India seaplane presence. We are happy to collaborate with MEHAIR with our ME-1A 19 passenger hull based amphibious aircraft to support the growth of seaplanes in India”, said Mohan Chunduri, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Mallard Enterprises.
About Mallard Enterprises:
The company 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 Independent Aircraft.
