Bristow reserves delivery slots for Elroy eVTOL aircraft

Sep 8, 2023 - 9:02 am

Bristow Group has moved forward with its pre-order for 100 Elroy Air Chaparral hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) cargo systems by securing early delivery slots for five aircraft.

The company will use the Chapparal to move time-sensitive cargo for logistics, healthcare, and energy applications around the world. It is the first dedicated cargo eVTOL aircraft to be added to Bristow’s fleet.

Dave Stepanek, Bristow’s executive vice president and chief transformation officer, said, “There is an increasing demand for the movement of time-sensitive cargo for logistics, health care and energy applications. Securing these early delivery positions underscores our commitment to leading the Advanced Air Mobility market and builds on our 75+ year legacy of vertical lift innovations.

“At Bristow, we’re excited to usher in a new era of vertical lift operations and collaborate with Elroy Air to meet the emerging market of express shipping cargo in cities and regions without relying on existing or new airport infrastructure,” he added.

The Chaparral is a ‘lift plus cruise’ hybrid eVTOL cargo aircraft with an advanced carbon composite airframe. It leverages the benefits of both conventional turbines and electric propulsion, for efficient autonomous operation and longer range.

“Getting to this stage of the process – reserved delivery positions secured with deposits – underscores our relationship built with Bristow and we are extremely pleased to be at this stage in development,” commented Kofi Asante, Elroy Air’s VP of business development and strategy.