Vertical and Bristow extend VX4 eVTOL partnership
Vertical Aerospace and helicopter operator Bristow Group have revealed an extension of their partnership to bring advanced air mobility (AAM) into commercial operation using the developer’s VX4 aircraft. Bristow has placed a pre-order for up to 50 VX4, with option to buy up to 50 more.
The companies have agreed to develop a scalable, capital-light eVTOL operations platform. The aircraft are designed to cut barriers to adopting the aircraft by providing Vertical’s customers with integrated solutions to launch services without building operational infrastructure from scratch.
The “ready-to-fly” model, which is said to mirror existing, successful operating models adopted by regional airlines, includes access to certified aircraft, trained pilots, maintenance, and insurance. This will enable VX4 customers to focus on customer experience, sales, and network integration, while Vertical and Bristow manage aircraft operations on their behalf.
This latest agreement builds on the strategic partnership launched in 2021. Bristow said the deal revealed its confidence in the potential of Vertical’s VX4 aircraft, including its commercial viability, certification path and delivery roadmap.
Chris Bradshaw, president and CEO of Bristow Group said: “We are excited about expanding our relationship with Vertical and helping move the future of advanced air mobility forward. This agreement outlines a framework to help scale these new aircraft globally, offering customers a seamless path from concept to revenue.”
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace added: “This strategic partnership is about execution and mirrors what already successfully works in aviation today. It will lower barriers to market entry and accelerate the adoption of eVTOL services worldwide. 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.”
Bristow will use its global operational footprint, including multiple Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) and its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) approvals, to offer fully managed operations for Vertical’s current and future customers. Target clients include: airlines, logistics operators and rescue services.
As part of the partnership, the companies will harmonise their safety management systems and use the VX4’s cloud-connected architecture to deliver predictive maintenance, enhanced reliability, and data-driven fleet insights. The partners are also exploring MRO services, including battery swapping and field maintenance solutions.
Meanwhile, last month, Bristow posted a 315% year-over-year increase in net profit of $27.4m in first-quarter results. That compared with net profit of $6.6m in the same period last year.
