Türkiye’s Mavi Air inks LOI for four Mallard ME-1As
On-demand helicopter transfer operator Mavi Air has signed a letter of intent (LOI) for four Mallard Aircraft manufactured ME-1A amphibious aircraft. The LOI was announced in a joint April 23, 2024, press statement and followed meetings at the recent Singapore Air Show.
“Mavi Air is expanding its operations to provide round-the-year regional air connectivity between Türkiye, Greece, and Italy with four Mallard ME-1A Aircraft,” said Mavi Air founder Alex Sahni.”We are aggressive in aviation and tourism with a bullish forecast in the tourism sector within the three countries.”
Maine-based Mallard Enterprises is developing the 19-seat ME-1A, a composite hull aircraft capable of water and land take-offs and landings. The manufacturer told ch-aviation that it hopes to start deliveries in late 2027 or early 2028. It says the aircraft offers low emissions, low noise pollution, faster speed, and low operating costs. It will have a range of approximately 648 kilometres with 19 passengers and luggage and an extended range of 1815 kilometres with a ten-passenger VIP configuration, all including typical airline reserves. ch-aviation recently reported that Mallard signed a similar deal for four ME-1A’s with Skylinks Aviation (Goa Dabolim).
“This new generation ME-1A amphibious aircraft of the 21st century design will provide reliable, economical, and environmentally sustainable connectivity solutions for our customers,” said Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Mohan Chunduri.
Mavi Air is a subsidiary of an entity called Vivaah Havacilik ve Org. Hiz. Ltd. Sti. It is a Bodrum based aviation tourism operator providing on-demand helicopter services using two Airbus H130s. “This marks an exciting expansion for us as we continue to redefine VIP-level aviation services in the eastern Mediterranean region,” the company said about the ME-1A LOI.
