FutureFlight
Bristow Plans Lilium Jet eVTOL Purchase As Part of Wider Partnership
The helicopter operator has now made commitments with six electric aircraft developers as part of its strategy to diversify into advanced air mobility services.
The Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft is expected to operate in markets such as Florida.
Helicopter operator Bristow may add up to 50 Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft to its fleet and also provide maintenance support for commercial services in markets such as Florida. (Image: Lilium)

Helicopter operator Bristow is escalating its expansion in the emerging advanced air mobility (AAM) market with an agreement announced on July 18 covering options for 50 of Lilium’s seven-seat eVTOL aircraft. The U.S.-based group previously has made commitments to three other eVTOL developers, including Vertical Aerospace, Eve, and Overair, as well as for Electra’s new eSTOL model and Elroy Air’s Chapparal autonomous air cargo vehicle.

Under a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Germany-based Lilium, Bristow will provide maintenance support for Lilium Jets deployed in the manufacturer’s planned network of scheduled flights in Florida. The operator, which currently provides helicopter flights for the offshore oil and gas industry and for missions such as search and rescue, might also provide support for eVTOL passenger services in other U.S. and European markets.