The Firms Will Collaborate To Market And Develop The Aircraft

Bristow Group and Electra.aero, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to pursue a Joint Development Agreement and Purchase Agreement. The two firms will work together on the technical development, marketing and certification of Electra’s hybrid-electric short take-off and landing aircraft, seeking to collaborate on 50 aircraft.

In addition to seeking certification with the FAA, EASA and Transport Canada the two companies also aim to focus on “middle mile” logistics.

"Just as Bristow pioneered the vertical transportation market some 70+ years ago, this MOU sets the stage for early collaboration and development between Bristow and Electra for a new class of aircraft that will allow us to take advantage of the unique capabilities of electric and hybrid power generation technologies to substantially lower carbon emissions and operating costs," said Bristow President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Bradshaw. "As today's global leader in vertical lift, Bristow can leverage our operational expertise to help Electra design and build the next generation of aircraft that fully utilizes the eSTOL concept in existing and new end markets."

"This collaboration will lead to a more rigorous aircraft capable of addressing operators' needs across a variety of use cases and will help Electra develop and certify an eSTOL aircraft in as short a period of time as possible," said John S. Langford, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Electra.aero. "As our principal launch operational customer, Bristow will benefit from early access to Electra's aircraft, which will deliver more than twice the payload, fly longer ranges, and have substantially lower operating costs than vertical take-off alternatives — with much less certification risk."

Electra’s eSTOL has hybrid-electric power that provides internal recharging capabilities for aircraft batteries, eliminating the need for new ground infrastructure. It can also operate from runways as small as 300x100 feet. The aircraft is being designed to transport up to 1,800 lbs of cargo or 5 to 7 passengers between 400 and 500 miles.

FMI: www.electra.aero