FutureFlight
Bristow Evaluates Overair's Butterfly eVTOL for Advanced Air Mobility Plans
The helicopter operations group has made provisional commitments to add up to 250 eVTOL and eSTOL aircraft to its fleet through agreements with Overair, Eve Urban Air Mobility, Vertical Aerospace, and Electra Aero.
Bristow Overair Butterfly
Helicopter operator Bristow is evaluating Overair's Butterfly eVTOL aircraft as a possible addition to its fleet. (Image: Overair)

Helicopter operator Bristow this week launched a collaboration with a fourth aircraft manufacturer in the advanced air mobility sector. Under a memorandum of understanding signed on December 16, the Houston-based transportation group said it has “preordered” between 20 and 50 of Overair’s Butterfly eVTOL aircraft, a model that is expected to complete FAA type certification in 2025.

The announcement also said that Bristow will provide the California-based start-up with guidance on matters including vehicle design considerations, key performance parameters, flight planning best practices, flight operations data sharing, and health monitoring strategies, configuration and maintenance protocols, infrastructure, and ground support operations. It will also contribute to promoting the launch of eVTOL commercial operations.