SOURCE: AFI
US-based amphibious aircraft manufacturer, Mallard Enterprises, has announced significant interest in its seaplanes from the Indian market, with several letters of intent (LOIs) signed at the Farnborough Airshow.
The most substantial order came from Mehair, a prominent Indian seaplane operator, which expressed its intent to purchase 50 of Mallard’s hull-based amphibious ME-1A aircraft. Mehair, with a history dating back to 2011, is a seasoned player in the Indian seaplane industry, having previously operated under a government scheme for regional airport development. The company is poised to resume operations in November 2024, focusing on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Gujarat.
Siddharth Verma, Mehair’s managing director, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering a robust seaplane industry in India. With ambitious expansion plans, Mehair anticipates generating a substantial $100 million in revenue over the next four years.
Mallard’s co-founder and COO, Mohan Chunduri, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Mehair, highlighting the company’s pivotal role in India’s seaplane landscape.
In addition to the Mehair deal, Mallard secured LOIs from UrTripO Aviation for five ME-1As and Flyjet Aviation for three of the same model.
The ME-1A, currently in development, is a composite hull regional amphibious aircraft with an impressive range of over 350 nautical miles when carrying 19 passengers. A VIP configuration can accommodate 10 passengers and extend the range to 980 nautical miles. Deliveries for this aircraft are scheduled to commence in 2028.