The hybrid electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developer Horizon Aircraft has signed an agreement with a Chilean helicopter operator to lease five Cavorite X7 eVTOLs.
On January 10, 2025, Horizon Aircraft announced that the company had signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Discovery Air Chile and expects to deliver the Cavorite X7s in 2028.
According to Horizon, the Cavorite X7 “provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional helicopters with twice the speed and up 75% lower operating costs”.
Horizon Aircraft is unique among most eVTOL developers, as the company has opted to build a hybrid aircraft.
“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,” said Brandon Robinson, CEO and Co-founder of Horizon Aircraft.
Robinson added: “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.”
Horizon added that its aircraft will transform services in Chile by dramatically reducing transfer times for passengers, patients, and time sensitive goods while cutting costs for operators.
“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, advances Chilean regional air services and is integral to maintain 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,” said Álvaro González, General Manager of Discovery Air Chile.
The Cavorite X7, which takes its name from a fictional metal that appears in a H.G. Wells book, is a hybrid eVTOL concept designed to carry six passengers and a pilot.
The Canadian aircraft is expected to reach 800 km and speeds of up to 450 km/h.