Vertical and Bristow Join Forces to Launch Turnkey ‘Ready-to-Fly’ VX4 eVTOL Operations
Vertical Aerospace [NYSE: EVTL], a global leader in electric aviation technology, and Bristow Group Inc. [NYSE: VTOL], the world’s foremost provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight services, have announced a significant expansion of their strategic partnership. The collaboration is focused on bringing Vertical’s VX4 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into commercial operation through a fully managed, “ready-to-fly” services model that removes many of the operational hurdles typically faced by new entrants into the advanced air mobility (AAM) space.
This new phase of partnership represents a transformational step forward in the deployment of eVTOL aircraft by offering a complete service package to Vertical’s current and future customers. The offering includes access to certified VX4 aircraft, trained pilots, maintenance, insurance, and operational support — allowing operators to concentrate on customer acquisition, branding, and network growth while Bristow and Vertical handle the behind-the-scenes complexity of operating the aircraft.
Creating a Turnkey eVTOL Ecosystem
The turnkey model being developed is capital-light and scalable, inspired by established models in regional aviation. By replicating an ecosystem where the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance are provided as a service, this approach removes the need for customers to develop extensive infrastructure or obtain multiple certifications. The solution is tailored for organizations eager to integrate eVTOL services but lacking the operational resources or experience to do so independently.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, highlighted the significance of this model in accelerating the adoption of eVTOL technology. “This strategic partnership is about execution and mirrors what already successfully works in aviation today,” Simpson said. “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’s Pre-Order Expansion Reflects Confidence in VX4
As part of the partnership expansion, Bristow has placed a pre-order for up to 50 VX4 aircraft, with the option to purchase an additional 50. This commitment builds on the original partnership initiated in 2021 and reflects Bristow’s deepening confidence in the VX4 platform — from its design and certification progress to its long-term commercial viability.
Chris Bradshaw, President and CEO of Bristow Group, emphasized the strength of Bristow’s operational capabilities and how they are uniquely positioned to support the global rollout of eVTOL services. “We are excited about expanding our relationship with Vertical and helping move the future of advanced air mobility forward,” Bradshaw stated. “Bristow has over 75 years of providing critical safety, operational, certification, and logistics expertise, and this agreement outlines a framework to help scale these new aircraft globally, offering customers a seamless path from concept to revenue.”
Supporting a Broad Range of eVTOL Customers
The services being developed under this partnership are intended to support a diverse set of customers, including:
- Commercial airlines seeking to develop point-to-point or regional air mobility services
- Logistics providers exploring rapid delivery models across urban or remote areas
- Emergency and rescue service operators, where eVTOL aircraft can enhance response capabilities
Bristow’s extensive global footprint — which includes multiple Air Operator Certificates (AOCs), a broad Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) network, and decades of experience in operating vertical flight services in challenging environments — is a core asset in delivering this global eVTOL solution.
Enabling Safe and Predictive eVTOL Operations
In line with aviation industry best practices, the partnership will align safety management systems between Vertical and Bristow. This harmonization ensures that eVTOL operations maintain the same high safety standards as traditional aviation.
The VX4 aircraft’s cloud-connected digital infrastructure will play a pivotal role in enabling predictive maintenance, fleet optimization, and operational efficiency. Using real-time data analytics, the aircraft will help operators maximize uptime and extend service intervals, thereby reducing total cost of ownership.
Moreover, the two companies are exploring future MRO services tailored to the unique needs of eVTOLs. These include streamlined field maintenance procedures, battery replacement and swapping infrastructure, and mobile servicing solutions that minimize downtime and operational disruption.
Advancing Vertical’s Flightpath 2030 Strategy
The expanded partnership with Bristow aligns closely with Vertical Aerospace’s Flightpath 2030 strategy — the company’s long-term vision for delivering certified, scalable, and commercially viable eVTOL services globally.
A key milestone in this journey was recently achieved when Vertical completed the first-ever wingborne flight of a winged eVTOL in European open airspace. This successful test flight not only demonstrates the VX4’s flight capabilities but also marks a meaningful step in the certification pathway, reinforcing regulatory confidence in Vertical’s technology.
The VX4 is a four-passenger, piloted eVTOL aircraft designed for quiet, efficient, and emission-free flight. With a projected top speed of 200 mph (320 km/h) and a range of over 100 miles (160 kilometers), it is ideally suited for short- to medium-haul urban and regional missions.
A Blueprint for Scalable eVTOL Deployment
The model pioneered by Vertical and Bristow offers a compelling roadmap for the commercial deployment of eVTOL services at scale. By reducing the complexity and capital requirements for operators, the partnership aims to democratize access to advanced air mobility services — not only in major cities but also in underserved regions where traditional infrastructure is limited.
Importantly, this strategic collaboration serves as a blueprint for how eVTOL manufacturers and aviation service providers can partner to make electric flight a practical reality. With combined strengths in engineering, operations, certification, and customer support, Vertical and Bristow are positioning themselves at the forefront of the eVTOL revolution.
As regulatory frameworks evolve and consumer demand for sustainable transport solutions increases, the “ready-to-fly” VX4 service model could prove pivotal in shaping the future of urban and regional air mobility.