Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Helicopter operator Bristow has launched a collaboration with Overair, marking its fourth such deal with an aircraft manufacturer in the advanced air mobility sector. Under an MoU signed yesterday, the Houston-based transportation group said it has “preordered” between 20 and 50 of Overair’s Butterfly, a five-passenger eVTOL with 100-mile range that is expected to be FAA certified in 2025.

 


Bristow will provide the California-based startup with guidance on matters including vehicle design considerations, key performance parameters, flight planning best practices, flight operations data sharing, and health monitoring strategies, configuration and maintenance protocols, infrastructure, and ground support operations. It will also contribute to promoting the launch of eVTOL commercial operations.

 


This deal appears similar to other recent agreements that Bristow has reached with Embraer’s Eve Urban Air Mobility, Vertical Aerospace, and Electra Aero. All of these also involved collaborative work and provisional commitments to add up to 250 of these companies' eVTOL and eSTOL aircraft to Bristow’s fleet. However, the exact commercial terms of these sales agreements remain unclear.

 


Overair said that “of the vehicles Bristow is currently considering, Butterfly is the only aircraft with a vectored-thrust configuration.” Given its range and 200 mph speed, the Butterfly might be suitable for some of Bristow’s offshore support services, carrying oil and gas workers to platforms in locations such as the Gulf of Mexico and North Sea.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Bristow Teams With Overair on Butterfly eVTOL

Helo operator Bristow has launched a collaboration with Overair, marking its fourth such deal with an aircraft OEM in the advanced air mobility sector.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Making flying easier and safer is company's goal

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News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

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Tools can be freely downloaded for use by companies and organizations

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AmyWilder

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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