Clay Lacy Aviation and Overair’s partnership will establish emission-free and ultra-quiet electric aviation operations in Southern California, developing charging infrastructure, aircraft operation logistics, and vertiport facilities.
Clay Lacy Aviation, a leading private jet management company, fixed-base operator (FBO), and infrastructure developer, has announced a strategic collaboration with Overair, a prominent player in advanced air mobility (AAM) and developer of all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The partnership aims to establish emission-free and ultra-quiet electric aviation operations in Southern California, with a focus on developing charging infrastructure, aircraft operation logistics, and vertiport facilities.
Overair’s Butterfly eVTOL aircraft, which is set to begin testing in early 2024, will be a central element of the collaboration. The companies plan to create a concept of operations for the Butterfly aircraft and explore the development of electric charging facilities at Clay Lacy’s FBO locations at John Wayne Airport in Orange County and Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles. Additionally, the partnership will assess 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, 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,” she further added.
Under the agreement, Clay Lacy will take the lead in developing charging infrastructure and handling aircraft operation logistics. Overair, on the other hand, will contribute its expertise in aircraft integration, maintenance, certification, user and vertiport software integration, flight path planning, and public awareness building.
Overair’s partnership with Clay Lacy adds to its growing list of collaborations and initiatives in the advanced air mobility sector. The company has previously announced partnerships with JetSetGo in India, the City of Arlington, DFW International Airport in North Texas, and several agreements with South Korean partners.
“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, Clay Lacy. “This collaboration with the Overair team brings us one step closer to better serving the residents and communities in Southern California,” he further added.
Founded in 2020 as a spin-off from Karem Aircraft, Overair has positioned itself as a global leader in advanced air mobility. The company’s flagship eVTOL aircraft, Butterfly, is designed to be a breakthrough in urban mobility, offering safety, superior payload, low sound emissions, and weather capability. Overair’s collaborations and milestones, including full-scale propulsion testing and the assembly of a full-scale prototype, demonstrate its commitment to leading the way in the emerging field of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
“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,” said John Criezis, head of mobility operations, Overair.
Clay Lacy Aviation, with a history dating back to 1968, is recognized as the world’s most experienced operator of private jets. Offering a range of services, including aircraft management, charter, maintenance, avionics, interiors, and FBO services, the company has built a reputation for delivering superior safety, service, and value to aircraft owners and jet travelers worldwide. With its extensive experience, Clay Lacy is well-positioned to contribute to the development of electric aviation infrastructure and services.
Question- What is the goal of the partnership between Clay Lacy Aviation and Overair?
Answer- To establish emission-free and ultra-quiet electric aviation operations in Southern California.
Question- What is the role of Clay Lacy Aviation in the partnership?
Answer- To develop charging infrastructure and handle aircraft operation logistics.
Question- What is the role of Overair in the partnership?
Answer-To contribute expertise in aircraft integration, maintenance, certification, and more, and develop the Butterfly eVTOL aircraft.
Note– MRO Business Today is the Principal Media Partner of the 5th MRO SOUTH ASIA SUMMIT 2024 co-located with the MRO XPO INDIA & AIRCRAFT INTERIORS INDIA 2024 to be held on 27,28 & 29 February 2024 at the Le Méridien New Delhi, India.
