The lessor Avolon announced in June 2021 that it had ordered 500 VA-X4 electric aircraft. Now half could be accommodated with the Brazilian airline Gol.
In cooperation with the Grupo Comporte, Gol wants to set up a shared flight platform. To this end, Avolon committed itself to accepting up to 250 VA-XE eVTOL aircraft. The electric aircraft, manufactured by Vertical Aerospace, are expected to hit the market in 2024 and will fly four passengers and a pilot for about 200 miles at a speed of around 100 miles per hour. With these e-aircraft, Gol wants to build a flight platform and thus carry out ultra-short-haul traffic emission-free.
“Today's announcement marks a significant step in the development of an eVTOL ridesharing platform that will reshape the commercial aviation market in Brazil. The application possibilities of the VA-X4 are enormous. Gol and Grupo Comporte both bring a wide and diverse network and proven track records of scaling multiple companies, making them ideal strategic partners for Avolon. Their unparalleled market access, coupled with our in-depth knowledge and relationships with the Brazilian aviation market, puts us in a strong position to benefit from the expected demand for zero-emission VA-X4 ultra-short-haul transport, ”explains Avolon CEO Dómhnal Slattery.