LONDON – Bristow Group, one of the world’s pioneers in the global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical transport solutions is now aiming higher. The group has committed to purchase 55 BETA Technologies ALIA-250 eVTOL aircraft.
The Alia aircraft is manufactured by an all-electric aviation firm called Beta Technologies Inch. The helicopter conglomerate also has options for 50 additional eVTOLs. The firm will highly benefit from this cooperation as Bristow helicopters has over 7 decades of experience, and is ready to leap forward into the electric domain.
The performance of AIA is second to none with a maximum range of 250 nautical miles and is capable of carrying more than 1,400lbs of payload and is capable of carrying six individuals, pilot included.
The eVTOL’s design is unique with a carbon-fibre fuselage and a 50-foot wingspan, and the vertical aircraft has a single dispersed direct-electric power train system.
Moreover, the machine will have rotors that are horizontally mounted to provide vertical lift capability, and a single propeller at the read to power the aircraft horizontally.
Dave Stepanek, Bristow Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer said: “This order firmly positions Bristow as an early adopter and leader in pragmatically developing AAM operations and ushering in a new era in vertical lift solutions.”
“By leveraging our 70+ years of expertise as a leader in vertical lift, we plan to use the BETA ALIA to safely and reliably move passengers and time-sensitive cargo as part of the development of new regional mobility networks in the U.S. and other strategic locations.”
Kyle Clark, Founder and CEO of BETA, stated: “We designed ALIA with reliability, efficiency, and the highest-value cargo in mind, all of which are central to the types of critical missions Bristow carries out on a global stage.”
“Over the past few months, we’ve made strides with our flight test program, proving the aircraft is capable of performing in conditions it will see in service.”
“We are gratified by Bristow’s confidence in our continued progress, and we look forward to partnering to provide a safe and sustainable system to transform regional transportation.”
The eVTOL’s battery will be charged in less than an hour using BETA’s own infrastructure to do so, which is able to be deployed remotely on-demand. This reasserts that the eVTOL can be deployed anywhere, and operators can operate stress-free.
About Bristow Group
Bristow Group is one of the most popular and largest helicopter providers, across the globe and has a footprint in the UK, USA, Netherlands, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dutch Caribbean, Falkland Islands, Guyana, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, Suriname and Trinidad.
Bristow helicopter services include transportation, charter oil and gas services, maritime and patrol service and more.
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