Mallard Enterprises is to establish a framework with AerNovum Aviation under which they develop, grow, support and sustain a robust global amphibious seaplane industry and ecosystem.

US based Mallard Enterprises is developing the ME-1A, a multi-role composite hull amphibious aircraft for operators who are looking for the world's most versatile runway-independent aircraft. It will have a range of 350nm (648km) with 19 passengers and luggage, and an extended range of 1,050nm (1,945km) with six passengers, all including typical airline fuel reserves.

AerNovum is a London-headquartered aircraft finance specialist helping Mallard customers' dreams take off by offering different tailor-made financing solutions such as operating leases and finance leases. It operates on niche assets such as training aircraft, sub regional aircraft, helicopters, business jets, special mission, flight simulators and other aviation equipment. Mallard Enterprises' cooperative financing programme is designed to offer great flexibility, including different price ranges and financing tenures to customers.

“This new collaboration is a win, win, win,” says Dan Peabody, co-founder and CEO at Mallard Enterprises. “Operators get better leasing terms and an increased transaction transparency, a solid seller-finance solution complementing our aircraft sales will increase the number of ME-1As sold, and the increased number of leased amphibious aircraft in operation with successful operators will increase the return on capital invested.”

“Partnering with AerNovum allows Mallard Enterprises to provide greater access to capital for our customers and provide impetus for the growth of a robust global amphibious seaplane financial and leasing environment,” adds co-founder and COO Mohan Chunduri.

“We have full confidence in the excellence of the aircraft produced by Mallard Enterprises. Collaborating with it will allow us to experience firsthand the efficiency of its operations and the dedication of its team,” says AerNovum founder Aldo Giovanitti. “This partnership brings real innovation, a leasing solution, to the seaplanes market. The field of aircraft leasing is known for its high level of specialisation, and in many instances a viable solution is simply not accessible, especially within the seaplanes sector. The collaboration between Mallard and AerNovum has been established and is currently being implemented to provide customers with the key to expanding their fleets. It is a turnkey solution.”