Horizon Aircraft Signs LOI With Great Lakes Helicopter for Cavorite X7 Support
Horizon Aircraft has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Ontario-based Great Lakes Helicopter (GLH) covering maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), pilot training and potential aircraft purchases for the Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft.
Under the proposed agreement, GLH intends to provide MRO services for the Cavorite X7 and support pilot training programmes for future operators. The helicopter operator and aviation services company also intends to purchase a number of Cavorite X7 aircraft, although the companies did not disclose a quantity or purchase value.
The partnership is intended to establish operational support infrastructure as Horizon Aircraft progresses the Cavorite X7 towards commercialisation. GLH provides helicopter operations, flight training, aircraft maintenance and aviation support services through its operations in Ontario and affiliated companies, including Rotor Services.
GLH is also developing a new Rotor Services maintenance facility, which the company says will support next-generation aircraft platforms. The facility is expected to form part of the proposed maintenance network for the Cavorite X7.
In addition to MRO support, the companies plan to develop pilot training capabilities for the aircraft. This would provide a pathway for operators to train pilots ahead of future Cavorite X7 operations, subject to the aircraft completing its testing and certification programme.
Horizon Aircraft is developing the Cavorite X7 as a hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft designed to transition between vertical take-off and landing and conventional wing-borne flight. The company says the aircraft is intended for applications including regional transportation, emergency services and military operations.
The agreement with GLH comes as Horizon works towards testing and certification of a full-scale Cavorite X7 before moving into production. The company has not provided a confirmed commercial entry-into-service date.
