January 2025 – Santiago, Chile: Horizon Aircraft has taken a significant step towards expanding its global reach with the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Discovery Air Chile. This agreement paves the way for the Chilean helicopter operator to lease five of Horizon’s Cavorite X7 hybrid eVTOLs, with deliveries anticipated in 2028.
Revolutionising Chilean Regional Air Services
The introduction of the Cavorite X7 eVTOLs is expected to bring a transformative shift to Chile’s regional air transport landscape. Álvaro González, General Manager of Discovery Air Chile, expressed his excitement about the partnership:
“We are proud to be the first South American operator of Horizon Aircraft’s Cavorite X7 Hybrid eVTOL. Sustainable, cost-effective operations and innovative technology, such as what Horizon Aircraft offers, advance Chilean regional air services and are integral to maintaining competitive operations.
“The Cavorite X7 is expected to transform the speed, flexibility, and cost to transport people and critical goods. This will be transformative for Chilean air movements at a regional level.”
The aircraft promises to dramatically reduce transfer times for passengers, patients, and time-sensitive goods, offering a faster and more economical solution than traditional helicopter services.
A New Frontier for eVTOL Technology
Horizon Aircraft’s hybrid eVTOL design combines the efficiency of fixed-wing flight with the versatility of vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. The Cavorite X7 can fly at nearly double the speed of a traditional helicopter while offering a projected 30% reduction in per-hour operating costs.
Brandon Robinson, CEO and Co-founder of Horizon Aircraft, highlighted the benefits of this partnership:
“This agreement with Discovery Air Chile Ltda. marks a significant milestone for Horizon Aircraft as we further expand our international footprint into South America.
“In Chile, when it comes to emergency evacuations, transfers, and quickly reaching hospitals, speed is essential. Our Cavorite X7 hybrid eVTOL offers a compelling economic and operational alternative to helicopters. Our aircraft can fly almost twice as fast as a traditional helicopter with an estimated 30% lower per-hour operating cost. This results in over 75% savings as compared to a traditional helicopter on a per-mile basis.”
A Vision for 2028 and Beyond
The projected delivery of the Cavorite X7s in 2028 underscores both companies’ commitment to the advancement of sustainable and efficient aviation solutions. By adopting this cutting-edge technology, Discovery Air Chile is positioning itself as a leader in transforming regional air services in South America.
The partnership between Horizon Aircraft and Discovery Air Chile not only highlights the increasing global demand for hybrid eVTOLs but also cements the Cavorite X7’s position as a revolutionary solution for operators looking to enhance speed, flexibility, and cost-efficiency in their operations.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: HORIZON AIRCRAFT
