Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Overair, a developer of advanced electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, have entered into a memorandum of understanding to collaboratively explore the future of vertiport development and eVTOL aircraft operations within the DFW Metroplex.
The partnership aims to conduct a feasibility assessment for integrating passenger eVTOL operations across the North Texas region. eVTOL aircraft, such as Overair’s Butterfly, represent the next phase in urban air mobility, potentially offering advanced point-to-point electric air transit options.
DFW Airport's Executive Vice President of Innovation, Paul Puopolo, stated, "DFW Airport has a long history of building the groundwork today for the airport needs of the future. By exploring the future of aviation now, we will help better position the entire DFW Metroplex for the next era of innovative air mobility."
Overair's Chief Commercial Officer, Valerie Manning, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, "Today’s agreement is a major step toward bringing Advanced Air Mobility to one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing metropolitan areas. We look forward to working closely with DFW to ensure the more than 8 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."
The agreement establishes a joint, cross-functional working group to explore the policies and infrastructure necessary to implement an integrated, sustainable eVTOL program at DFW in the future. This working group will also delve into operational procedures, covering approach, landing, taxiing, charging, loading and unloading passengers, takeoff, departure, and safety protocols required for such a program.
Overair will take the lead in assessing the demand for all-electric advanced air mobility services within the DFW Metroplex and evaluate scenarios for flight operations in and out of vertiport locations.
