JOLY Airlines Boosts Connectivity with 30 Amphibious Jets
South African startup JOLY Airlines is set to revolutionize regional air travel by placing an order for 30 ME-1A amphibious aircraft from U.S.-based Mallard Enterprises. This bold move comes as part of JOLY Airlines’ ambitious plan to connect previously inaccessible communities across South Africa, redefining the African aviation landscape in the process.
The two companies signed a letter of intent (LOI) on March 1, 2025, highlighting their shared vision of increasing connectivity throughout the region. With a registration dating back to July 2021, JOLY Airlines has been working tirelessly to “bring families together across towns and continents” and foster a new era in African aviation. The order for the ME-1A, a 19-passenger amphibious aircraft, represents a significant step forward for the carrier as it targets regional flights that can bridge gaps between remote areas and major cities.
Mallard Enterprises’ co-founder and CEO, Dan Peabody, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “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 environmentally friendly and aware airline.” The ME-1A is currently under development and boasts the unique capability to land and take off from both land and water, making it an ideal solution for regions where conventional airport infrastructure is limited.
Designed to carry up to 19 passengers, the ME-1A offers a standard range of over 350 nautical miles with a full complement of passengers and luggage. In a VIP configuration for 10 passengers, its range can be extended to 980 nautical miles, ensuring that regional connectivity is not compromised even in challenging environments. With a strong focus on sustainability, the aircraft is being designed with a future transition from turbine propulsion to hydrogen-electric or fully electric propulsion in mind, aligning with global trends toward reducing carbon emissions.
JOLY Airlines’ co-founder and CEO, Shawn J. van der Merwe, emphasized the strategic importance of this order: “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.” With this order, JOLY Airlines not only aims to expand its fleet but also to set a new benchmark for amphibious aviation in Africa.
The ME-1A order adds to a growing list of LOIs that Mallard Enterprises has secured globally. Earlier, at Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024, Mallard Enterprises and AeroTech Support Services signed an LOI for 20 ME-1A aircraft, and at the Farnborough Airshow, Indian operator MEHAIR signed an LOI for 50 ME-1A aircraft. These agreements underscore the rising global demand for versatile amphibious aircraft capable of servicing regions with challenging infrastructure.
Together, JOLY Airlines and Mallard Enterprises are poised to create a transformative impact on regional connectivity in South Africa, offering a safe, economical, and sustainable travel alternative. This landmark order marks a promising new chapter in African aviation, where innovative solutions meet the unique challenges of the continent.
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