South African startup JOLY Airlines has placed an order for 30 ME-1A 19-passenger amphibious aircraft from US-based Mallard Enterprises.
The two parties signed a letter of intent (LOI) as JOLY Airlines targets regional flights around South Africa in its ambition to connect previously inaccessible communities.
Registered in July 2021, JOLY Airlines aims to “redefine the African aviation industry” and “bring families together across towns and continents”.
Announcing the purchase on March 1, 2025, Co-Founder and CEO of Mallard Enterprises, Dan Peabody said that he shared JOLY’s “vision of increasing connectivity across the region”
“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. The ME-1A, with its competitive economics, amphibious capability, speed, and green credentials, fits well with Joly Airlines’ vision of an environmental friendly and aware airline,” said Peabody.
The ME-1A, which is still under development, is a regional amphibious plane that can land and takeoff from land or water, with a standard seating capacity of up to 19 passengers.
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.
The ME-1A is also being designed in anticipation of a transition from turbine propulsion to hydrogen- electric or electric propulsion.
“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, the JOLY Group Executive Chairman and CEO.
In November 2024, Mallard Enterprises and AeroTech Support Services signed a LOI for 20 ME-1A amphibious aircraft at Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024.
And earlier in the year at Farnborough Airshow the Indian operator MEHAIR, signed a LOI with Mallard Enterprises for 50 ME-1A amphibious aircraft.
“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,” said Mohan Chunduri, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Mallard Enterprises.
He added: “As we throw our weight behind Joly Airlines, together we are creating a new benchmark of amphibious aviation in Africa.”
