US-based Mallard Enterprises and AeroTech Support Services have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for 20 ME-1A amphibious aircraft at Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024.
The ME-1A fleet are set to be deployed in the Indian market where the use of amphibious aircraft is particularly popular and helps support remote communities without access to traditional runways.
AeroTech Support Services offers aviation and airport industry clientele a range of specialized services from planning, operations management, and technical advisory services.
“The new generation ME-1A amphibious aircraft of 21st century design is an ideal addition to the India market. It will provide a safe, reliable, economical, and environmentally sustainable travel experience for our customers to areas that were previously inaccessible,” said Dr. Ashwani Khanna, AeroTech Executive Director on November 21, 2024.
The ME-1A, which is still under development, is a regional amphibious plane, which can land and takeoff from land or water, with a standard seating capacity of up to 19 passengers.
Mallard Enterprises said that the aircraft offers “low emissions, low noise pollution, faster speed and low operating costs”.
The aircraft will have a range of over 350 nautical miles with 19 passengers and luggage and an extended range of 980 nautical miles with a 10 passenger VIP configuration, all including typical airline fuel reserves.
“Mallard Enterprises is excited to partner with AeroTech who has strong regional knowledge and access to a wealth of relationships within India” said Dan Peabody, Co-Founder and CEO at Mallard Enterprises. “The ME-1A, with its competitive economics, amphibious capability, speed and green credentials, fits well with AeroTech’s vision.”
The ME-1A is being designed in anticipation of a transition from turbine propulsion to hydrogen- electric or electric propulsion.
Indian operator MEHAIR, signed a LOI with Mallard Enterprises for 50 ME-1A amphibious aircraft earlier this year at Farnborough Airshow.
“We look forward to providing AeroTech with modern design highly versatile amphibious aircraft that supports their needs. The various UDAN routes provide last mile connectivity to Tier 3 cities and remote locations including islands and coastal areas and the ME-1A is ideally suited for these operations,” said Mohan Chunduri, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Mallard Enterprises.