
June 12 (Reuters) - British electric-aircraft developer Vertical Aerospace M000.F said on Thursday it has expanded its partnership with helicopter ride operator Bristow Group VTOL.N as it aims to bring air taxi services into commercial operation.
Texas-based Bristow Group - which offers short-distance helicopter rides in several countries, including the UK and the U.S. - has also placed an order for up to 50 of Vertical's VX4 aircraft, with the option to purchase 50 more.
Air-taxi startups are racing to get approvals and commercialize electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, betting on growing demand for faster, more sustainable urban transportation.