Helicopter transportation group Bristow stepped up its plans to electrify its fleet by agreeing to buy up to 50 of Vertical Aerospace's VA-X4 eVTOL aircraft. The agreement announced on September 21 calls for the U.S. operator to pre-order 25 of the four-passenger vehicles and hold options for another 25 units.
The latest sale takes UK-based start-up's provisional order book past 1,000 units, with companies including American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways, and leasing group Avolon already placing pre-orders. The VA-X4, which is expected to enter service in 2024, promises a range of around 100 miles at speeds of around 200 mph.
Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), Bristow and Vertical have agreed to develop a joint working group to collaborate on regulatory and airspace; demand, fleet size, spare parts and infrastructure; potential customers; and public acceptance and environmental requirements.
“As the global leader in vertical lift, Bristow’s operational expertise and efficiency, supported by the trust and confidence of our customers, can safely bring eVTOL aircraft into the market,” said Bristow CEO Chris Bradshaw. Carrying workers to and from offshore oil and gas platforms currently forms a large part of Bristow's business model, but this sector has been squeezed in recent years by a combination of over-capacity and reduced exploration activity.
This is Bristow’s second electric aircraft deal in less than a month. In late August, the company announced it had signed an MoU with Electra Aero for the purchase of up to 50 of that company’s hybrid-electric STOL airplanes for entry into service beginning in 2026. "Our expansion into these new and existing geographic markets with sustainable, innovative, and efficient vertical lift and aerial transport services will offer passengers superior regional air mobility solutions,” said Bradshaw.
On the same day, Brazilian airline Gol announced plans to take 250 of the Vertical eVTOLs for its planned new commercial services. It will lease or purchase these from Avolon, in partnership with transportation provider Grupo Comporte.
