June 12 (Reuters) - British electric-aircraft developer

Vertical Aerospace ( EVTWF ) said on Thursday it has expanded its

partnership with helicopter ride operator Bristow Group ( VTOL )

as it aims to bring air taxi services into commercial operation.

Texas-based Bristow Group ( VTOL ) - which offers short-distance

helicopter rides in several countries, including the UK and the

U.S. - has also placed an order for up to 50 of Vertical's VX4

aircraft, with the option to purchase 50 more.

Air-taxi startups are racing to get approvals and

commercialize electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL)

aircraft, betting on growing demand for faster, more sustainable

urban transportation.