Sat, Dec 02, 2023
eSTOL Expected to Be a Solid Performer in Bristow Service
Electra.aero, Inc.’s eSTOL demonstrator aircraft has struck a deal to provide the Bristow Group for 5 early delivery positions for the upcoming production aircraft.
The agreement was firmed up by the payment of a deposit agreement, riding on a 2021 memorandum of understanding. That MoU saw Bristow gain pole position as the principal launch customer for the Electra eSTOL, with a big pre-order for up to 50 aircraft. These first 5 could be just the tip of that iceberg, should Bristow decide to exercise its options later on. They expect the Electra to perfectly suit their plans to provide "sustainable regional air transport on routes of 50 to 500 miles" along similar lines to their existing rotary-wing services. The short takeoff capability could make the Electra the perfect companion for petroleum, mining, and field power generation anywhere in the world. Certification for the Electra under Part 23 regs is expected to take place some time in 2028.
"With this early delivery position, Bristow looks forward to being among the first Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) companies to add the Electra eSTOL aircraft to our fleet and offer our customers the advantages of this new class of aircraft," said Bristow Executive Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer Dave Stepanek. "Bristow provides safe, efficient, sustainable, and accessible air travel solutions to our customers, and Electra’s eSTOL aircraft aligns perfectly with our vision, while enabling new markets at substantially lower operating costs.”
"We deeply value our partnership with Bristow Group and the 75+ years of experience they bring to our development program as our principal launch operational customer," said John S. Langford, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Electra. “This cash deposit is a real show of confidence in our eSTOL aircraft and a validation of our development roadmap. Bristow is a true AAM leader, and we look forward with anticipation to the future delivery of our aircraft to Bristow’s fleet.”
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