Gracie WarhurstOverair, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) have entered a partnership to bring the aircraft and vertiports to the metroplex.
Their “memorandum of understanding” includes a feasibility assessment to introduce eVTOL vehicles, furthering the boom of advanced air mobility (AAM) across the country. Passenger aircraft like Overair’s Butterfly could make quick and affordable electric transit a reality.
“Today’s agreement is a major step toward bringing Advanced Air Mobility to one of the world’s largest and fastest growing metropolitan areas,” Overair CCO Valerie Manning said in a statement.
The DFW metroplex has over 8 million residents as well as millions of visitors per year. DFW Airport sees 73 million customers each year, generating $24 billion in visitor spending. Overair plans to evaluate the interest in and need for vertiports to serve DFW residents.
In the early stages of collaboration, DFW and Overair will evaluate the infrastructure and policy needed to start implementing eVTOL aircraft operations at the airport. They will develop a plan for operational procedures based on their findings.
The company has also entered into a similar agreement with the city of Arlington to establish and initiate eVTOL operations at Arlington Municipal Airport.
Arlington is a bustling entertainment district, housing attractions like the Six Flags parks, the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys franchises. Overair plans to offer a direct connection to allow easier, more accessible and more eco-friendly access to the city’s points of interest.
“Electric advanced air mobility is an example of transportation evolving with the needs of a growing society. We are incredibly excited to be part of driving this transportation evolution in North Central Texas and to expanding expand our presence in this region, known for its talent and technology,” Manning said in a statement.
Overair’s Butterfly aircraft is currently scheduled to align with the Federal Aviation Administration’s Innovate28 initiative to safely integrate AAM in multiple locations by 2028.
Strategic Partnerships, Inc. can provide information on contract opportunities, plus existing and future government funding. For more information, contact research@spartnerships.com.
