Overair has announced a “strategic collaboration” with Clay Lacy Aviation to launch operations throughout southern California.
The companies will jointly work on a concept of operations for Overair’s aircraft, known as Butterfly, which is set to begin testing early this year. The pair will develop electric charging facilities at Clay Lacy’s FBO locations at John Wayne Airport in Orange County and Van Nuys Airport, located in Los Angeles.
The partnership will also explore the development and building of new vertiport facilities across southern California.
Valerie Manning chief commercial officer at Overair said: “AAM is an ideal addition to southern California’s transportation network, creating a new option for fast, safe, and quiet transportation in the region. 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.”
Per the agreement, Clay Lacy will focus on development of charging infrastructure and aircraft operation logistics — the firm also recently announced a similar deal with Joby Aviation.
Scott Cutshall SVP Strategy and Sustainability at Clay Lacy said: “Ultra-quiet all-electric aircraft bring the promise of convenient and efficient transportation, easing traffic congestion and reducing travel times. This collaboration with the Overair team brings us one step closer to better serving the residents and communities in Southern California.”
The partnership is the latest of several infrastructure initiatives announced by Overair, including partnerships with the City of Arlington and DFW International Airport in North Texas, and several agreements over in South Korea.
John Criezis head of mobility operations at Overair added: “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.”
