Agreement Makes Sale of 2 VoloCity Aircraft, with Options for 78 More

The Bristow Group has inked a deal with Volocopter "to explore and develop passenger and cargo services for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft in the U.S. and U.K."

The deal is fairly7 open-ended, with the only firm order being for a pair of VoloCity aircraft, with the option to buy 78 more should Bristow choose to exercise it. Under the collaboration, both firms will "begin immediate cooperation to build a UAM ecosystem that includes regulatory discussions, infrastructure exploration, and local partnership building". The agreement pretty much covers the gamut of things to consider before leaping into AAM services, including commercial, operational, and eVTOL aircraft maintenance.

Volocopter plans to use its VoloIQ, an in-house digital platform, to ensure Bristow’s efficient future operations. Their decision to lean on one of the UK's bigger vertical flight operators should help them find their footing much quicker than they would alone, though the clock is running out on their planned certification date. Volocopter has said before that the VoloCity should see final certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency in 2024, with concurrent approval from the FAA following it shortly. If that comes to pass, Volo will have to kick things into gear to get the drop on the competition, as everyone in the AAM space angles to be first to market with competent, safe, sustainable VTOL aircraft. 

“Our partnership with Bristow and the firm VoloCity orders received propels us forward as we unlock new markets. With this collaboration," said Christian Bauer, CCO of Volocopter. "Volocopter surpassed 500 pre-orders accumulated including nearly 30 firm orders from reputational partners. I am filled with excitement toward the vast potential of the U.S. and U.K. markets and looking forward to working with Bristow’s experienced team as we prepare for operations.”

FMI: www.volocopter.com