Bristow Signs Launch Agreement with Electra to Secure First Delivery Slot for EL9 Aircraft
21 Jan 2026
Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: VTOL), a global provider of vertical aviation solutions and specialized air operations, signed a strategic Pre-Delivery Payment (PDP) agreement with Electra, a developer of hybrid-electric ultra-short takeoff and landing (USTLL) aircraft, securing the first delivery slot for the EL9 Ultra Short aircraft.
The agreement makes the previously signed Letter of Intent (LOI) binding and guarantees Bristow five delivery slots for the EL9 during the first year of production, including the first delivery slot, subject to certification and compliance with commercial aviation standards. The agreement also includes options for up to 45 additional aircraft under the same terms.
The EL9 Ultra Short is a hybrid-electric aircraft designed to carry up to nine passengers with luggage or 3,000 pounds of cargo, with an operating range of 330 nautical miles and a maximum ferry range of 1,100 nautical miles with IFR reserves. Its ability to take off and land in spaces as small as 45 meters, roughly the size of a football field, opens up new possibilities for regional air mobility.
Bristow plans to deploy the EL9 as part of turnkey Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions for corporate clients, high-end tourist destinations, regional and major airlines, and government agencies operating essential public service routes. The aircraft will significantly reduce travel times and enable point-to-point connectivity in areas with limited or nonexistent airport infrastructure.
The relationship between Bristow and Electra dates back to 2021, when the two companies began their collaboration through a pre-order agreement. With this new multi-million dollar commitment from PDP, Bristow reinforces its position as a key player in the early adoption of Direct Aviation, a model that seeks to transform air transport through more accessible, quieter, and sustainable operations.
Electra is driving the Direct Aviation concept by using Ultra Short Flight aircraft that enable thousands of new access points, such as underutilized runways, parking lots, and open areas, bringing air transport closer to where people live, work, and travel. This approach expands economic opportunities and improves regional connectivity without requiring large investments in traditional infrastructure.
Source and Credits to Electra.aero
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