Bristow and Electra Sign Multi-Million Dollar PDP Agreement for First EL9 Aircraft Delivery in 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 21 2026
0mins
Should l Buy VTOL?
Source: Newsfilter
- PDP Agreement Signed: The Pre-Delivery Payment agreement between Bristow and Electra secures the first delivery of the EL9 aircraft, marking a deepening of their longstanding partnership in the helicopter aviation sector, which is expected to enhance future air mobility services.
- Aircraft Performance Advantage: The EL9 can take off and land in just 150 feet, carrying nine passengers or 3,000 pounds of cargo with a maximum range of 1,100 nautical miles, significantly boosting Bristow's competitiveness in the regional air mobility market.
- Market Leadership Position: By securing the earliest deliveries, Bristow solidifies its leadership role in the helicopter aviation sector, expected to provide customers with unprecedented point-to-point mobility solutions, dramatically reducing travel times and expanding market opportunities.
- Future Growth Potential: The agreement includes options for Bristow to acquire an additional 45 EL9 aircraft, further strengthening its strategic positioning in the emerging air mobility market and supporting the company's sustainable development in the future.
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Analyst Views on VTOL
Wall Street analysts forecast VTOL stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for VTOL is 48.50 USD with a low forecast of 45.00 USD and a high forecast of 52.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
2 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 44.070
Low
45.00
Averages
48.50
High
52.00
Current: 44.070
Low
45.00
Averages
48.50
High
52.00
About VTOL
Bristow Group Inc. is a provider of vertical flight solutions. The Company primarily provides aviation services to a broad base of offshore energy companies and government entities. Its aviation services include personnel transportation, search and rescue (SAR), medevac, fixed-wing transportation, unmanned systems, and ad-hoc helicopter services. Its business consists of three operating segments: Offshore Energy Services, Government Services and Other Services. Its energy customers charter its helicopters primarily to transport personnel to, from and between onshore bases and offshore production platforms, drilling rigs and other installations. Its government customers primarily outsource SAR activities whereby the Company operates specialized helicopters and provides highly trained personnel. Its other services include fixed-wing transportation services through a regional airline and dry-leasing aircraft to third-party operators in support of other industries and geographic markets.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Successful Financing: Bristow Group has successfully closed a $500 million offering of 6.750% senior secured notes, which strengthens the company's financial position and provides greater strategic flexibility.
- Credit Facility Extension: The company has extended the maturity of its asset-based revolving credit facility to 2031 while reducing total commitments from $85 million to $70 million, optimizing liquidity management.
- Debt Repayment: A portion of the proceeds from the offering was used to repay approximately $397 million of 6.875% senior secured notes due 2028, ensuring satisfaction and discharge of the debt, thereby reducing financial risk.
- Compliance Statement: The notes were offered in compliance with Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, ensuring adherence to regulations for qualified institutional buyers, while not being registered in the U.S., thus mitigating legal risks.
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- Credit Facility Extension: The company has extended the maturity of its asset-based revolving credit facility to 2031 while reducing total commitments from $85 million to $70 million, enhancing liquidity.
- Debt Repayment: A portion of the proceeds from the offering was used to repay approximately $397 million of outstanding 6.875% senior secured notes due 2028, discharging the related indenture and releasing the associated liens.
- Compliance Statement: The notes were offered under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, ensuring compliance and mitigating legal risks as they were not registered in the U.S.
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- Agreement Signed: Bristow Group has signed a binding pre-delivery payment agreement with Electra.aero, securing the first delivery slot and four additional early delivery positions for the EL9 aircraft, marking the formal conversion of their letter of intent.
- Aircraft Specifications: The EL9 is designed to carry nine passengers or up to 3,000 pounds of cargo, with the capability to take off and land in spaces as short as 150 feet, making it suitable for corporate, leisure, airline, and government mobility services.
- Future Expansion Options: The agreement includes options for Bristow to acquire up to 45 additional aircraft on the same terms, indicating the company's positive outlook on future market demand.
- Market Impact: Although the financial terms of the PDP agreement were not disclosed, Bristow plans to have all five EL9 aircraft delivered within the first year of production, which is expected to enhance its competitiveness in the aviation services market.
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