Following the successful first flights of Electra.aero’s eSTOL technology demonstrator aircraft, Bristow Group has secured early delivery positions for five of its production aircraft by executing a deposit agreement. Bristow had signed an MoU with Electra in 2021 to be the principal launch operational customer with a pre-order of up to 50 aircraft.

Bristow will use Electra’s aircraft to expand and diversify its portfolio of specialised passenger services to offer sustainable regional air transport on routes of 50 to 500 miles. The piloted aircraft has the capability to take off and land in locations as small as 300 foot by 100 foot, making it ideal for reaching a range of remote or under-utilised airports as well as alternative landing areas.

“With this early delivery position, Bristow looks forward to being among the first advanced air mobility companies to add the Electra eSTOL aircraft to our fleet and offer our customers the advantages of this new class of aircraft,” says executive vice president, chief transformation officer Dave Stepanek. “Bristow provides safe, efficient, sustainable and accessible air travel solutions to our customers, and Electra’s eSTOL aircraft aligns perfectly with our vision while enabling new markets at substantially lower operating costs.”

Electra has designed the aircraft so that hydrogen or battery-electric propulsion systems can be used in the future when those technologies are commercially viable. Certification and entry into service under FAA Part 23 regulations is expected in 2028.

“We deeply value our partnership with Bristow Group and the more than 75 years of experience it brings to our development programme as our principal launch operational customer,” says chair and CEO John Langford. “This cash deposit is a real show of confidence in our eSTOL aircraft and a validation of our development roadmap. Bristow is a true AAM leader, and we look forward with anticipation to the future delivery of our aircraft to Bristow’s fleet.”