Helicopter operator Bristow is making a decisive move into electric Vertical and Takeoff (eVTOL) aircraft but is hedging its bets with two rival developers: Britain’s Vertical Aerospace and the Embraer-backed Eve Mobility.
Bristow and Vertical have announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under which the two firms will cooperate on the certification, operational planning and potential purchase of up to 50 eVTOL aircraft.
Bristow has made a pre-order of 25 aircraft, along with the option for an additional 25. Vertical’s pre-order book curremtly standsat 1,000 aircraft.
Vertical’s four-passenger, one pilot VA-X4 is expected to have speeds of up to 200mph (174 knots), a range of more than 100 miles and is near silent when in flight.
Bristow president and CEO Chris Bradshaw said, “Our MOU sets the stage for the disruptive advantages of the VA-X4 with its zero carbon emissions and low operating costs for passenger transport.
Under the MOU, the two companies have agreed to develop a joint working group to collaborate on the following areas:
- Regulatory and airspace
- Demand
- Fleet size
- Spare parts
- Infrastructure
- Potential customers
- Public acceptance
- Environmental requirements.
Bristow orders 100 Eve eVTOLs
Eve Urban Air Mobility and Bristow have also announced a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to develop an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) for Eve’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The partnership will develop an Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operating model using Bristow’s experience in transporting passengers and cargo worldwide. In addition, Bristow has placed an order for up to 100 eVTOLs with deliveries expected to start in 2026.
Bradshaw: “This strategic MOU outlines the continued development of a comprehensive UAM model between Bristow and Eve for an eVTOL that could potentially reshape the market for all-electric vertical lift with zero emissions and lower operating costs.
