South African startup Joly Airlines has ordered a 30 ME-1A 19-seater amphibious aircraft from US-based Mallard Enterprises.
The parties have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) as Joly Airlines targets local flights around South Africa with the ambition to connect previously inaccessible communities.
Registered in July 2021, Joly Airlines aims to “redefine Africa's aviation industry” and “connect families across towns and continents.”
Dampy Body, co-founder and CEO of Mallard Enterprises, announced its purchase on March 1, 2025, and said it shares Jolie's “vision of improving connectivity across the region.”
“Mallard Enterprises is excited to partner with Joly Airlines. Their strong local knowledge and access to rich relationships within Africa will only broaden our horizons. The ME-1A fits well with the vision of Joly Airlines, an eco-friendly airline with competitive economics, amphibious capabilities, speed and green qualifications,” Peabody said.
The ME-1A, still in development, is an area amphibious plane that can land and take off from land or water, with 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 a range of 980 nautical miles with 10 passenger VIP configurations.
The ME-1A is designed in anticipation of a transition from turbine propulsion to hydrogen or electric propulsion.
“The new generation of 21st century designs of ME-1A amphibious aircraft is an ideal addition to the African market. “Shawn J. van Der Merwe, executive chairman and CEO of Joly Group, said:
In November 2024, Mallard Enterprises and Aerotech Support Services signed LOIs of 20 ME-1A amphibious aircraft at the Air Expo Abu Dhabi in 2024.
And earlier this year, Indian operator Mehair signed LOI with 50 ME-1A amphibious aircraft at the Farnborough Air Show.
“Joly Airlines addresses a major need on the African continent that connects multiple communities within South Africa with many regional countries. “Mohan Chunduri, co-founder and chief sales officer of Mallard Enterprises, said:
He added: “When you throw your weight behind Jolly Airlines, you're creating a new benchmark for African amphibious aviation.”
