Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace Ltd. is a UK aerospace manufacturer headquartered in Bristol, England, focused on designing and building zero-emission electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Founded in 2016 by Stephen Fitzpatrick — also founder of OVO Group, Europe's largest independent energy retailer — the company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker EVTL and employs approximately 350 people.

The company's flagship commercial aircraft, the Valo, was unveiled in December 2025 and succeeds the earlier VX4 prototype. Valo is designed for cruise speeds of 150 mph, a range of up to 100 miles, and zero operating emissions. Developed in partnership with Honeywell, Syensqo, and Aciturri, it features a more aerodynamic airframe, an under-floor battery system, and redesigned wing and propeller architecture. The premium cabin launches with four seats, with flexibility to expand to six, and the platform also supports emergency medical services and cargo missions.

Seven Valo units are currently being built in the UK to support a certification programme targeting approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) by 2028. The company has secured approximately 1,500 pre-orders from customers including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL, and Bristow.

Innovations in eVTOL propulsion, battery technology, airframe design, and aviation certification are directly relevant to Vertical Aerospace as it works toward commercial launch in an emerging urban air mobility market.