Technology & Innovation
Vertical Aerospace and Aciturri Partner to Accelerate VX4 eVTOL Production
Vertical Aerospace partners with Aciturri to manufacture VX4 eVTOL airframe, advancing certification and scalable production by 2030.
Strategic Partnership Analysis: Vertical Aerospace and Aciturri Aerostructures Unite to Accelerate VX4 Production and Market Entry
On August 4, 2025, Vertical Aerospace, a UK-based electric aviation pioneer, announced a long-term strategic partnership with Aciturri Aerostructures, a globally recognized aerostructures supplier, to manufacture the airframe for the VX4 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This collaboration is a critical step in Vertical Aerospace’s commercialization journey, combining its innovative eVTOL design and engineering with Aciturri’s nearly 50 years of aerospace manufacturing experience. Aciturri will supply the entire airframe for both pre-production and, subject to certification, the certified VX4, including the wing, empennage, pylons, and fuselage. The partnership is integral to Vertical’s Flightpath 2030 plan, which targets Certification by 2028 and delivery of at least 150 aircraft by decade’s end, aiming to address manufacturing scalability and supply chain challenges that have historically limited eVTOL progress.
This analysis explores the strategic context, technical and business implications, and broader industry significance of the Vertical-Aciturri Partnerships. We examine the backgrounds of both companies, the specific terms and expected impact of the agreement, Aciturri’s manufacturing credentials, the evolving eVTOL market, and the certification and regulatory landscape shaping the future of urban air mobility.
Company Background and Strategic Evolution
Vertical Aerospace was established in 2016 by Stephen Fitzpatrick, leveraging his experience in Formula One and the energy sector to apply innovative, cross-industry thinking to electric aviation. The company’s early focus was on developing and testing eVTOL prototypes, beginning with the VA-X1 in 2018 and the VA-X2 in 2019, both of which demonstrated Vertical’s ability to deliver functional electric vertical lift aircraft. These milestones helped attract partnerships with established aerospace suppliers and technology providers, such as Honeywell for flight control systems.
The introduction of the VX4 in 2020 marked a shift toward commercial viability, with a design optimized for passenger transport and regulatory certification. Vertical’s approach has emphasized rapid iteration, drawing on Formula One engineering methodologies to accelerate development cycles. The company’s strategy has consistently focused on collaboration, recognizing that scaling from prototype to Manufacturing to commercial production requires leveraging established industry expertise.
As of 2025, Vertical Aerospace is positioned as a leading European eVTOL manufacturer with ambitions for global reach, supported by a significant pre-order book and a network of industry partners. Its Flightpath 2030 plan targets certification and scaled production, underscoring the importance of robust supply chain and manufacturing partnerships like the one with Aciturri.
The Partnership Framework and Strategic Significance
The agreement with Aciturri Aerostructures transfers responsibility for the entire VX4 airframe to a supplier with extensive experience in both traditional and emerging aerospace sectors. Aciturri will not only manufacture the airframe but also contribute engineering expertise for several structural components and concurrent manufacturing engineering, ensuring the VX4 can be built efficiently and at scale.
Vertical’s CEO, Stuart Simpson, emphasized the need for an airframe designed specifically for the unique challenges of eVTOL and the highest levels of safety certification. The partnership is designed to leverage Aciturri’s world-class manufacturing systems, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, reducing the risks associated with scaling production and accelerating the path to certification.
The timing of this partnership is aligned with Vertical’s production and certification roadmap, enabling early establishment of supply chain and manufacturing processes. This contrasts with traditional aerospace development, where production partnerships are often finalized post-certification, potentially causing bottlenecks. By integrating Aciturri early, Vertical aims to streamline the transition from development to commercial production.
“As we accelerate toward commercialization, the VX4 demands an airframe built specifically for the unique challenges of eVTOL and the highest levels of safety certification. Aciturri brings the world-class capability, agility, and technical excellence we need to turn great designs into great aircraft.” – Stuart Simpson, CEO, Vertical Aerospace
Aciturri’s Proven Aerospace Manufacturing Capabilities
Aciturri, founded in 1977, has evolved from a metallic components manufacturer into a comprehensive aerostructures supplier, serving Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, and others. The company’s portfolio includes major structural components for the A320, B737, and Embraer KC-390, encompassing the full product lifecycle from design through final assembly.
In recent years, Aciturri has expanded into eVTOL manufacturing, providing airframes for Eve Air Mobility and Lilium, gaining insight into the unique requirements of electric flight and urban air mobility. This experience positions Aciturri to address certification, propulsion integration, and operational considerations specific to eVTOLs.
With over 3,100 employees and a presence across Spain, Portugal, Brazil, France, and Morocco, Aciturri has the scale and global reach to support Vertical’s production ambitions. Its annual turnover of approximately 500 million euros and established quality systems provide the financial and operational foundation required for large-scale eVTOL manufacturing.
“Aciturri and Vertical share a strong commitment to advancing the future of air mobility by redefining urban transport with sustainable electric flight. We look forward to partnering together through development, certification, and production to deliver a globally exportable and commercially viable eVTOL aircraft.” – Manuel Gonzalez Relaño, CEO, Aciturri Aerostructures
Market Context and Industry Dynamics
The eVTOL and urban air mobility (UAM) markets are experiencing rapid growth, driven by urban congestion, advances in battery and propulsion technology, and demand for sustainable transportation. The global eVTOL aircraft market was valued at USD 1.35 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 28.6 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 54.9%[20]. The broader UAM market is expected to grow from USD 5.18 billion in 2025 to USD 10.37 billion by 2029, reflecting widespread adoption of new mobility solutions[19].
Key drivers include improvements in battery energy density, electric propulsion, and autonomy. More powerful, lighter batteries with faster charging enable longer flight distances and expanded use cases, from passenger transport to cargo and emergency services. Regulatory support and public interest in zero-emission transportation are further accelerating industry investment and development.
However, certification and regulatory hurdles remain significant. The eVTOL sector must meet stringent safety and airworthiness standards, with regulatory agencies such as the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) developing frameworks tailored to new aircraft categories. Vertical’s strategy of partnering with experienced manufacturers like Aciturri is designed to address these challenges by leveraging proven quality systems and regulatory expertise.
Financial Implications and Strategic Business Impact
The financial structure of the Aciturri partnership, while not fully disclosed, reflects a long-term strategic investment. Vertical Aerospace’s current financials underscore the capital-intensive nature of aerospace development, with a reported net loss of USD 460.80 million on a trailing twelve-month basis and a market capitalization of approximately USD 586.83 million as of August 2025[4]. Despite these losses, analyst sentiment remains positive, with a consensus “Strong Buy” rating and a price target of USD 10.83[4].
By outsourcing airframe production to Aciturri, Vertical reduces the need for significant capital investment in manufacturing infrastructure, potentially lowering operational risk and enabling focus on core technologies such as batteries, propulsion, and flight controls. The partnership could be worth up to USD 1 billion over the next decade when combined with other key supplier agreements[6].
The deal supports Vertical’s production targets of at least 150 aircraft by 2030, with ambitions to scale to over 700 units per year in the medium term. A substantial pre-order book of around 1,500 VX4 aircraft, including customers like American Airlines and Japan Airlines, provides revenue visibility and market validation[9].
Technical Development and Certification Pathway
The Aciturri partnership is central to Vertical’s certification strategy. The VX4 is being developed to the highest safety standards, targeting a catastrophic failure rate of 10-9 per flight hour, equivalent to commercial airliners[6]. This is intended to make the VX4 the most exportable and certifiable eVTOL globally.
Certification involves close collaboration with the UK CAA and EASA, leveraging established bilateral agreements for broader international acceptance. Vertical’s recent milestones include successful piloted hover flight tests and the completion of airport-to-airport flights, demonstrating readiness for more advanced testing phases[1].
The VX4 will be available in both all-electric and hybrid-electric variants, with the latter targeting up to 1,000 miles of range and a payload of 1,100 kilograms. This expanded capability opens markets in defense, logistics, and emergency services. Aciturri’s concurrent engineering approach ensures manufacturing scalability is integrated into the design process, reducing certification and production risks[2].
Competitive Landscape and Market Positioning
Vertical Aerospace operates in a competitive field that includes both established aerospace manufacturers and specialized eVTOL startups such as Eve Air Mobility, Lilium, and Joby Aviation. Aciturri’s experience with multiple eVTOL programs positions it as a preferred partner for companies seeking to de-risk manufacturing and accelerate certification.
Vertical’s strengths include its European leadership, strong regulatory relationships, and a collaborative supply chain strategy that brings together best-in-class partners for each aircraft subsystem. Its hybrid-electric variant further differentiates the VX4 by addressing longer-range and higher-payload applications beyond urban passenger transport.
The company’s pre-order book, spanning four continents and including major airlines and specialized operators, demonstrates broad market appeal. Vertical’s approach of designing for global exportability and certification is intended to maximize addressable market and minimize regulatory barriers across jurisdictions.
Regulatory Environment and Certification Challenges
The regulatory environment for eVTOLs is evolving, with authorities like the UK CAA and EASA developing frameworks for certifying new aircraft types. Vertical’s pursuit of the highest safety standards is a calculated strategy to ensure broad international acceptance and operator confidence.
Manufacturing certification is a key challenge, and Aciturri’s established quality systems and regulatory compliance history provide a foundation for meeting these requirements. The partnership’s early integration of manufacturing engineering is intended to streamline the certification process and reduce risks associated with scaling production.
International market access will depend on harmonization of certification standards and mutual recognition agreements. By focusing on the most stringent safety and quality benchmarks, Vertical aims to position the VX4 for success in diverse global markets.
Supply Chain Strategy and Manufacturing Innovation
Vertical’s supply chain strategy is built on collaboration with established aerospace suppliers, distributing technical and financial risk while accessing specialized expertise. The Aciturri partnership exemplifies this approach, bringing proven manufacturing processes to the VX4 program.
The global footprint of Aciturri provides flexibility and resilience, with manufacturing centers across multiple countries. This geographic diversity supports risk mitigation and enables regional production strategies to serve different markets.
The long-term nature of the agreement encourages joint investment in manufacturing innovation, with potential benefits for both the VX4 and future eVTOL programs. Early integration of manufacturing considerations into the design process is expected to reduce costs, accelerate timelines, and ensure high-quality outcomes.
Future Market Applications and Growth Opportunities
The Vertical-Aciturri partnership positions the VX4 to address a range of markets beyond urban air mobility. The hybrid-electric variant, with up to 1,000 miles of range and 1,100 kg payload, opens opportunities in defense, logistics, and emergency services, where extended range and payload are critical.
Potential applications include air ambulance services, where electric propulsion offers reduced noise and emissions, and cargo logistics, where the ability to deliver directly to urban locations without airport infrastructure is a significant advantage. Defense applications may include personnel transport, surveillance, and logistics support.
Vertical’s diverse customer base, spanning airlines and specialized operators, provides a foundation for growth across multiple sectors. The company’s production targets, at least 150 aircraft by 2030 and scaling to over 700 units per year, reflect confidence in broad market adoption and the flexibility to address evolving customer needs.
Conclusion
The partnership between Vertical Aerospace and Aciturri Aerostructures marks a turning point for the eVTOL sector, combining innovation with proven manufacturing expertise to accelerate the VX4’s path to certification and commercial production. By leveraging Aciturri’s established aerospace capabilities, Vertical addresses critical challenges of scalability, regulatory compliance, and supply chain resilience.
As the urban air mobility market continues to grow, the collaboration positions Vertical to capitalize on emerging opportunities across passenger transport, logistics, defense, and emergency services. The company’s focus on the highest safety standards and global certification underscores a commitment to long-term leadership in electric aviation. The next few years will be pivotal as the VX4 moves through certification and into scaled production, shaping the future of sustainable urban and regional air transport.
FAQ
What is the significance of the Vertical Aerospace and Aciturri partnership?
The partnership enables Vertical Aerospace to leverage Aciturri’s proven aerospace manufacturing expertise for the efficient, scalable, and certifiable production of the VX4 eVTOL airframe, supporting Vertical’s Flightpath 2030 commercialization strategy.
What role will Aciturri play in the VX4 program?
Aciturri will supply the entire airframe for both pre-production and certified VX4 aircraft, including engineering responsibility for several structural components and concurrent manufacturing engineering to ensure efficient and reliable production.
How does the partnership impact Vertical Aerospace’s certification and production plans?
By partnering with Aciturri, Vertical can accelerate the certification process, reduce manufacturing risks, and scale production to meet its target of delivering at least 150 aircraft by 2030, with ambitions to exceed 700 units per year in the medium term.
What markets is the VX4 targeting?
The VX4 is designed for urban air mobility, but with the hybrid-electric variant, it will also address defense, logistics, and emergency services markets that require longer range and higher payload capabilities.
What are the main challenges facing the eVTOL industry?
Key challenges include meeting stringent certification and safety requirements, scaling manufacturing, securing regulatory approval, and developing reliable supply chains for new aircraft technologies.
Sources: Vertical Aerospace Press Release, MarketBeat – Vertical Aerospace Financials, Vertical Aerospace – About, Honeywell – Vertical Aerospace Partnership, Vertical Aerospace News – 2025 Milestones, Aciturri – Who We Are, Aciturri – VX4 Partnership News, MarketsandMarkets – eVTOL Aircraft Market, Mordor Intelligence – Urban Air Mobility Market
Electric Aircraft
Vertical Aerospace Gains AS9100 Quality Certification From BSI
Vertical Aerospace believes it is the first eVTOL developer with AS9100, awarded by BSI for its design and production quality system.
Vertical Aerospace has received AS9100 certification for the quality management system that covers its design and production work, and the Bristol-based developer of the Valo electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft believes it is the first eVTOL developer to achieve the standard. The British Standards Institution (BSI) awarded the certificate after an independent assessment that closed a year-long quality improvement programme at the company.
In a press release dated November 12, 2026, and announced on World Quality Day, Vertical said the certification confirms that its quality management system across design and production meets the standards used by manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing. The company said it gives airline customers and operating partners independent assurance about its future aircraft production and delivery, and supports opportunities where AS9100 is required. The certificate comes as Vertical prepares to build its first certification-conforming aircraft, and after it announced a review of strategic alternatives on September 24, 2026.
What the AS9100 standard covers
AS9100 was developed by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) and builds on ISO 9001 with requirements for aviation, space and defence. The IAQG states that the standard can be used “at all levels of the supply chain by organizations around the world,” and that it is intended to improve quality, schedule and cost performance by reducing or eliminating organisation-unique requirements.
For Vertical, the certificate is the result of a year-long quality improvement programme that ended with BSI’s independent assessment. Stuart Simpson, chief executive of Vertical Aerospace, said:
“We are leading the way in electric aviation by holding ourselves to the highest standards in aerospace.”
Simpson said achieving AS9100 means the company’s quality management system is certified against the same standard used by established manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing. “It is what our customers expect,” he said, adding that this is the discipline Vertical is bringing to Valo and to building a company customers can depend on.
Giancarlo Silvestri, Global Head of Aerospace and Defence (Assurance) at BSI, called the accredited certification “an important step in Vertical’s development as an aerospace manufacturer,” and said it gives airline customers and operating partners greater confidence in the quality management foundations behind the company’s ambitions.
A quality certificate alongside the regulator’s approvals
The AS9100 certificate comes from BSI. Vertical’s design organisation approval comes from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). In its release of March 30, 2023, Vertical said the CAA had issued it a Design Organisation Approval (DOA), number UK.21J.1001, the first DOA the CAA had issued to an eVTOL manufacturer. The CAA’s assessment for that approval covered Vertical’s procedures, quality management system, technical workforce competence, and facilities and equipment.
The same release said UK and European companies need a DOA to hold a Type Certificate, which Vertical described in July 2024 as a prerequisite for commercial service. On July 10, 2024, the company said the CAA had expanded the scope of the approval so that its own engineers could certify compliance in more technical areas, including further flight control, avionics and electrical systems activities. That release also said the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the CAA had agreed how they would collaborate on certification, setting up common standards and concurrent certification and validation of the VX4. Vertical unveiled Valo, which succeeds the VX4 prototype, on December 10, 2025.
Where the Valo programme stands
Valo is a piloted, four-passenger eVTOL whose cabin can expand to six seats, according to the December 2025 launch release, which gave a range of up to 100 miles at speeds of up to 150 mph. That release targeted certification in 2028, working with the CAA and EASA, and planned seven certification aircraft built in the UK.
The company’s more recent statements give 2029. In a release dated September 25, 2026, announcing the opening of its Aircraft Assembly Centre at Cotswold Airport, Vertical said the £1.5 million facility would build certification-conforming aircraft for compliance and verification testing with the CAA, targeting Type Certification in 2029. Assembly of the first certification-conforming aircraft is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027.
After certification, the centre is expected to support initial customer deliveries, with capacity to assemble more than 25 Valo aircraft a year in the early-production phase. Higher-volume manufacturing will take place at a separate facility, and Vertical said it expected to announce plans for it in the fourth quarter of 2026.
In flight testing, Vertical said in its H1 2026 business update that in April it became the second company globally to complete a piloted transition flight in a full-scale tiltrotor eVTOL, and that it flew five consecutive days of piloted transition demonstrations at the Farnborough International Airshow in front of more than 140,000 visitors. The company has said it remains on track to complete its Critical Design Review by year-end 2026. On October 16, 2026, it announced supplier agreements for seating and inertial reference systems with ANH Structure and Northrop Grumman LITEF.
Financing, customers and the strategic review
On September 24, 2026, Vertical announced a review of strategic alternatives, including potential strategic and financial partnerships, and retained Jefferies LLC as financial advisor. It said operations, the certification programme and commercial commitments would continue during the review, that no timetable had been set, and that there was no assurance the review would result in any transaction or outcome. The company said it would not disclose developments unless its board approves a specific course of action, decides further disclosure is appropriate, or disclosure is required by law.
That announcement followed approximately $100 million of new financing and the appointment of former Airbus Commercial Aircraft chief executive Fabrice Brégier as chair. In its H1 2026 business update, Vertical reported cash and cash equivalents of approximately $134 million (£99 million) as of August 13, 2026, and expected net cash outflows of approximately $150 million (£110 million) over the following 12 months. It said short-term liquidity, remaining financing proceeds and anticipated future draws were expected to provide at least 12 months of runway.
Vertical reports about 1,500 pre-orders for Valo from customers on four continents, including American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL and Japan Airlines, and says certain customer obligations are expected to be fulfilled through third-party agreements. The company, headquartered in Bristol, UK, works with Honeywell, Syensqo and Sonaca and develops its own battery and propeller technology.
Electric Aircraft
Archer and Formula 1 to Explore Air Taxi Flights at Grand Prix Races
Archer and Formula 1 announced a multi-year partnership to study Midnight eVTOL transfers for VIPs and fans at select Grand Prix circuits.
Archer Aviation and Formula 1 have announced a multi-year partnership to explore flying VIPs and fans to and from Grand Prix circuits aboard Archer’s Midnight electric air taxi, including dedicated landing points at circuits and air taxi services within F1’s hospitality and ticketing offerings.
Archer announced the agreement in a press release dated November 12, 2026. The partnership covers select Grands Prix that align with what Archer calls key commercial markets in the US, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. The release gives no financial terms and no date for a first air taxi flight at a race, and it describes the work as something the partners will explore.
What the partners plan to study
According to the release, the two companies will look at dedicated air taxi drop-off and pick-up locations at circuits, and at including air taxi services in F1’s hospitality and ticketing offerings. Once Archer’s commercial electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) operations launch in F1 markets, fans could skip traffic between major airports, business hubs and other key destinations, Archer said.
Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer of Formula 1, said in the release:
“Innovation is at the heart of Formula 1, and Archer shares our passion for pushing boundaries and exploring what is possible.”
Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO, pointed to the size of the sport’s audience, saying “With 830 million fans worldwide, Formula 1 gives us a global audience of prospective passengers”. He added that motorsport and aerospace share the same engineering DNA, and that the companies hope to show how innovation on the ground and in the sky could combine for fans at the track.
Archer also drew a technical comparison. It said the power-to-weight demands of eVTOL aircraft are comparable to those of F1, and that, as in an F1 car, its electric propulsion, advanced composites and aerodynamics are engineered as one system.
Where Archer’s planned networks meet the race calendar
Archer said its planned US air taxi networks map closely to F1 race locations, including Miami and Texas, where it has unveiled planned infrastructure networks. Its Texas plan, announced on October 23, 2026, includes an Austin network connecting Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Austin Executive Airport with the F1 Circuit Helipad at the Circuit of the Americas, which Archer said would put Formula 1 United States Grand Prix races minutes away. The same plan covers Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, and Archer said Midnight could turn 60 to 90 minute ground trips into 10 to 20 minute flights.
In South Florida, Archer’s Miami network plan of December 2025 named Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, among the sites whose existing helipads will be prepared for electric operations. That network would also link Miami International Airport (MIA), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI).
The partnership already has a public side. Archer displayed Midnight at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Austin, October 22 to 25, in the Fan Zone and F1 Paddock as an Official Supporter of F1, and the aircraft will be displayed again at the Las Vegas Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix later in 2026, according to the release. Archer’s third-quarter results release of November 9, 2026, had already said the two companies were forming a multi-year strategic alliance.
Where Midnight stands
Midnight is a piloted electric air taxi that carries up to four passengers and has 12 total engines and propellers, according to Archer. In its third-quarter update and FAA certificate news, Archer said Midnight had received a Market Survey Special Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA, which the company expects to allow operations in Los Angeles. The company said it is preparing to carry passengers under the US Department of Transportation’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) and for the LA28 Olympic Games.
The eIPP is the framework for Archer’s planned Texas and Florida operations. In March 2026, the Department of Transportation and the FAA selected Archer’s partners in Texas, Florida and New York for the program, and Archer said at the time that it planned early Midnight operations in those states as soon as the second half of 2026. Archer, BETA and Macquarie Capital also launched the ACES charging consortium, which aims to electrify up to 250 air taxi sites across America by 2030 and is working with the Texas Department of Transportation on charging to support eIPP operations in Texas.
Archer reported third-quarter 2026 revenue of $5.1 million and a net loss of $274.6 million, with total liquidity of $1.4 billion. The company said its acquisition of Boeing’s Wisk, Insitu and SkyGrid businesses is nearing close, subject to certain regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.
What the announcement leaves open
The release names no race where air taxi transfers would be offered first, and gives no pricing or start date. It ties services for fans to the launch of Archer’s commercial eVTOL operations in F1 markets.
Archer’s forward-looking statements list aircraft design and specifications, development and certification timing, air taxi network plans including the eIPP, and the expected benefits of collaborations such as the one with Formula 1 among the matters that could differ from its plans.
Technology & Innovation
Eve Vector Software Handles Over 100 Helicopter Flights at Interlagos
Eve Air Mobility’s Vector software managed helicopter slots for Revo at Interlagos, peaking at more than 100 flights on November 8, 2026.
Eve Air Mobility’s Vector software managed landing and takeoff slots at the temporary helipad serving São Paulo’s Interlagos Circuit during the motorsport weekend there, with traffic peaking at more than 100 helicopter flights on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Revo, the São Paulo helicopter operator that Eve calls its first electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft customer, ran the system at the event for the second year in a row.
In a press release distributed on November 13, 2026, Eve, an Embraer Group company, said Revo’s team used Vector at the helipad set up at the Ayrton Senna Kart Track, next to the circuit, for scheduling and slot management of landings and takeoffs. Eve described the event as the largest international motorsport event, and said the software had been tested at the same event in 2025.
What Vector did at Interlagos
Vector is Eve’s urban air traffic management software. According to the release, it is built on a modular architecture, with Helipad and Vertiport (Aerodrome) and Ground Operations modules that let operators manage high-volume activity across vertiports and helipads. Eve said the software is designed to provide safe and efficient low-altitude air traffic management through automation and data-driven services, and said it represents a new step toward automated, scalable traffic management for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Brazil and worldwide.
Eve said its team supported Revo’s operational staff throughout the weekend so that operations ran smoothly, effectively and “100% safely” across all three days of the event. The release does not give a total number of flights for the weekend or the number of helicopters involved; the only traffic figure is the peak of more than 100 flights on the Sunday.
Johann Bordais, chief executive of Eve Air Mobility, tied the result to the weekend’s traffic:
“The efficient use of Vector over a weekend that concentrates one of the highest volumes of helicopter traffic in Brazil throughout the year demonstrates the full maturity of our solutions for the urban mobility ecosystem.”
Bordais added that Revo will be Eve’s first eVTOL customer in Brazil and globally. João Welsh, chief executive of Revo, said the partnership with Eve “represents a major step in this direction,” both for bringing eVTOLs into Revo’s operations and for developing urban air traffic management solutions.
How the 2026 deployment compares with 2025
This was not Vector’s first outing at the circuit. On November 10, 2025, Eve announced the software’s first real-world deployment, with Revo, during the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix. Revo’s team used Vector from November 7 to 9 that year to manage helicopter operations at the Interlagos racetrack, after training by Eve’s TechCare and Vector teams. Eve said at the time that future Vector operations were planned at other sites, including residential and commercial hubs.
The product description has moved since then. In November 2025, Eve listed a Vertiport and Ground Operations Module and said a Fleet Operations Module for helicopter and eVTOL operators was planned for 2026. The November 2026 release lists separate Helipad and Vertiport (Aerodrome) and Ground Operations modules and gives 2027 for the Fleet Operations Module. The release does not explain the change in timing. Eve says the fleet module will address the needs of helicopter and eVTOL operators as Urban Air Mobility networks expand.
The Revo contract behind the partnership
Revo is part of Omni Helicopters International (OHI), which, according to the November 2026 release, manages a fleet of approximately 90 helicopters and operates over 1,500 weekly flights. In a release dated June 15, 2025, Eve announced its first binding framework agreement with Revo and OHI, covering up to 50 eVTOLs, entry-into-service support and aftermarket services, including Eve’s TechCare package. Eve’s release for that deal was headed as a $250M contract, and the earlier work between the companies had included simulations of urban air traffic management using Vector.
The June 2025 release named Revo as launch operator for Eve’s eVTOLs in São Paulo, with first delivery planned for Q4 2027, and said the city has over 400 registered helicopters and nearly 2,000 daily takeoffs and landings. The November 2026 release says Revo is positioned to operate the technology in Brazil starting in 2028.
Where Eve’s eVTOL program stands
Eve reports a backlog of over 2,700 aircraft, including firm orders and letters of intent, across 28 customers in 10 countries. It has completed more than 73 flights since its flight test campaign began in 2025, after more than 10,000 hours of integrated ground testing. On August 3, 2026, Eve announced its first partial transition flight, in which the prototype’s rear pusher propeller was activated in the air for the first time and the aircraft reached a stabilized speed of 27 knots.
Eve plans to build six certification prototypes for a certification campaign starting in 2027, working with Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) and the FAA. Once the aircraft is certified, and through the end of 2028, it will be built at a facility under development in Taubaté, São Paulo, with initial capacity of up to 120 aircraft per year and room to expand to up to 480 aircraft annually.
-
Space & Satellites6 days agoNASA Picks Eight Firms for $10 Billion CLPS 2 Moon Delivery Contract
-
Regulations & Safety6 days agoFAA Proposes Tighter Falcon 7X Airworthiness Limits for 161 US Jets
-
Company Performance6 days agoArcher Midnight Gets FAA Certificate for LA Operations in Q3 Update
-
Commercial Aviation5 days agoSavannah Airport Opens 36-Acre Air Cargo Complex and Taxiway G Bridge
-
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries5 days agoLufthansa Receives First Airbus A350-1000, Its 700th Airbus Aircraft