eVTOL developer Overair has formed a strategic collaboration with private jet management company fixed-base operator (FBO), and infrastructure developer Clay Lacy Aviation to establish emission-free, ultra-quiet electric aviation operations throughout the Southern California region.
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 Overair’s first full-scale prototype last year, as well as other advanced aircraft.
Overair and Clay Lacy plan to develop electric charging facilities at Clay Lacy’s FBO locations at John Wayne Airport in Orange County and Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles. Finally, the partnership will explore the establishment of new vertiport facilities and services across Southern California.
“Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is an ideal addition to Southern California’s transportation network, creating a new option for fast, safe, and quiet transportation in the region,” said Valerie Manning, Chief Commercial Officer at Overair. “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 to the collaboration.
“Ultra-quiet all-electric aircraft bring the promise of convenient and efficient transportation, easing traffic congestion and reducing travel times,” said 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,” added John Criezis, head of mobility operations at Overair.
