Partners Aim to Lower Entry Barrier into Advanced Air Mobility

Vertical Aerospace recently announced a partnership with Bristow Group to make its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the VX4, a more feasible option for commercial operators. This knocks out the need for customers to track down crews, maintenance, insurance, and infrastructure on a separate bill.

“We are excited about expanding our relationship with Vertical and helping move the future of advanced air mobility forward,” stated Chris Bradshaw, President and CEO of Bristow Group. “Bristow has over 75 years of providing critical safety, operational, certification, and logistics expertise, and this agreement outlines a framework to help scale these new aircraft globally, offering customers a seamless path from concept to revenue.”

The VX4 has a fixed wing with four tilting propellers that allow both vertical and conventional cruise flight. It can hold five, including one pilot, and maintain a cruise speed of around 150 mph for up to 100 miles at a time. The eVTOL is designed for quiet and efficient operation, using a lightweight composite construction, high-aspect-ratio wings, and enclosed propellers.

In late May, the start-up announced the VX4’s successful completion of a piloted wingborne flight. Vertical hopes to push its VX4 into production after certification, slated for 2028, and complete at least 150 deliveries by 2030.

The company’s latest collaboration takes advantage of this proven platform and Bristow’s extensive experience to simplify customers’ integration of eVTOL operations. Instead of just shipping the aircraft to customers, the new “ready-to-fly” model will give buyers access to trained pilots, maintenance services, insurance, and operational infrastructure from the get-go.

At the same time, Vertical revealed Bristow’s pre-order for up to 50 VX4 aircraft. The deal includes an option to purchase up to 50 more.

“This strategic partnership is about execution and mirrors what already successfully works in aviation today,” stated Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace. “Together, we’re making it easy for customers to adopt electric flight, allowing them to focus on what they are best at – customer service, loyalty and sales.”

FMI: https://vertical-aerospace.com