Overair is looking to establish emission-free, ultra-quiet electric aviation operations throughout southern California in a strategic collaboration with FBO and infrastructure developer Clay Lacy Aviation.

The companies will work together to develop a concept of operations for Overair's Butterfly eVTOL aircraft, which begins testing in early 2024 following the completion of the first full-scale prototype last year, as well as for other advanced aircraft. The two companies plan to develop electric charging facilities at Clay Lacy's FBO locations at John Wayne airport in Orange County and at Van Nuys airport in Los Angeles. They will also explore setting up new vertiport facilities and services across the region.

"Advanced air mobility is an ideal addition to southern California's transportation network, creating a new option for fast, safe and quiet transportation in the region," says CCO Valerie Manning. "We have been working with our partners at Clay Lacy for over a year and are delighted to announce our shared plan. We are confident that this strategic collaboration will leverage our respective strengths to create an AAM network that will positively impact local residents and visitors alike."

Per the agreement, Clay Lacy will focus on the development of charging infrastructure and aircraft operation logistics. Overair will bring expertise in aircraft integration, maintenance, certification, user and vertiport software integration, flight path planning and public awareness building.

"Ultra-quiet, all-electric aircraft bring the promise of convenient and efficient transportation, easing traffic congestion and reducing travel times," says Scott Cutshall, SVP strategy and sustainability at Clay Lacy. "This collaboration with the Overair team brings us one step closer to better serving the residents and communities in southern California."

This partnership is the latest of several AAM infrastructure initiatives announced by Overair, including partnerships with India's JetSetGo, the City of Arlington and DFW International airport in north Texas, as well as several agreements with South Korean partners.

"As we continue to make strides developing Butterfly, we're also focused on partnering with infrastructure leaders to ensure that operations using this new mode of transit can be scaled quickly and efficiently," says head of mobility operations John Criezis.