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The private charter operator is based in Augusta, Georgia
U.S. private charter operator Bravo Air has agreed to buy up to five of the three-seat SD-05 eVTOL aircraft being developed by Japan’s SkyDrive. The companies signed a letter of intent for the anticipated transaction during an event at Georgia’s Augusta Regional Airport, which is expected to be the base for planned commercial flights with the eVTOLs.
Last year, SkyDrive established a U.S. base in neighboring South Carolina, where it is partnered with Beaufort-based Austin Aviation. That Part 135 charter operator has also made a provisional commitment to buy five SD-05s, which are intended for short flights of up to 10 miles. In addition to its focus on the Southeastern U.S., SkyDrive holds provisional sales agreements with operators in South Korea and Vietnam.
According to the manufacturer, its agreement with Bravo Air will extend to a broader collaboration with the state of Georgia to develop infrastructure for eVTOL air-taxi services via a network that could include other small regional airports. The company plans to focus on providing last-mile transportation to and within local communities.
Bravo Air’s current charter fleet consists of Cessna Citation Ultra twinjets and Beechcraft King Air 200 turboprop twins. In addition to passenger transportation, the company arranges emergency medical and cargo flights and manages aircraft for private owners.
“Bravo Air is thrilled to be working with SkyDrive on revolutionizing advanced air mobility in the U.S.,” said company v-p of operations Dann Standard. “Bravo Air is honored to have recently visited SkyDrive in Japan and had the opportunity to meet the teams working diligently to bring AAM development into a reality. We are excited to be part of a collaborative effort to bring more environmentally conscious air travel options to the Augusta area and beyond.”
Last week, SkyDrive announced that it had started building the SD-05 prototype. Manufacturing is being conducted at Iwata City in Japan’s Shizuoka prefecture through its Sky Works joint venture with Suzuki Motor Corp., which is one of its main backers. The company aims to complete Japanese type certification in time to start operations during the Osaka World Expo next year.
Sourced from AIN
