Overair is to explore vertiport development and eVTOL aircraft operations within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex with the DFW International airport and, separately, with the city of Arlington, Texas.

"Today's agreement [with DFW] is a major step toward bringing advanced air mobility to one of the world's largest and fastest growing metropolitan areas," says Overair CCO Valerie Manning. "We look forward to working closely with DFW to ensure the more than eight million people living throughout this region, along with the millions of visitors per year, will have easy access to safe, fast, affordable and eco-friendly travel options."

"DFW airport has a long history of building the groundwork today for the airport needs of the future," adds airport EVP innovation Paul Puopolo. "By exploring the future of aviation now, we will help better position the entire DFW metroplex for the next era of innovative air mobility."

A joint, cross-functional working group will explore the policies and infrastructure needed to implement an integrated, sustainable eVTOL program at DFW in the future, and investigate the operational procedures required for such a programme. Overair will also lead an assessment of the demand for all-electric AAM services within the DFW metroplex and evaluate scenarios for flight operations in and out of vertiport locations.

The OEM then committed to look into eVTOL connections to the city of Arlington, and agreed to establish a base of operations in north central Texas, bringing new jobs to residents.

"This announcement is a major step toward positioning Arlington as one of the first cities in the world to integrate fully electric AAM capabilities into its transportation ecosystem," continues Manning. "Electric advanced air mobility is an example of transportation evolving with the needs of a growing society. We are incredibly excited to help drive this transportation evolution in north central Texas and to expand our presence in this region, known for its talent and technology."

"This partnership with Overair not only advances the City of Arlington as a leader in implementing innovative transportation solutions, it also provides high-tech and engineering jobs to our residents and the community at large; ultimately creating a new mobility ecosystem that will provide socio-economic progress for decades to come," says Arlington mayor Jim Ross. "We are excited to work with Overair to shape the future of transportation for our city and the DFW region."

With the development of the Butterfly aircraft currently on schedule to meet the goals and timelines of the FAA's Innovate28 initiative, Overair seeks to solve many of the logistical challenges associated with moving people and goods. The aircraft's proprietary propulsion system and oversized rotors allow it to fly safely, quietly and efficiently in a wide variety of weather conditions.