This article is based on an official press release from Vertical Aerospace and includes additional financial and technical context from industry data.

Vertical Aerospace Unveils “Valo”: The Production-Intent eVTOL Targeting 2028 Certification

Vertical Aerospace has officially unveiled “Valo,” its production-intent electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Formerly known during its development phase as the VX4 prototype, the newly branded aircraft represents a critical pivot for the UK-based company as it transitions from a prototype developer to a commercial aerospace manufacturer. According to the company’s announcement on December 10, 2025, Valo is designed to deliver zero-emissions inter-city and airport-to-city transportation.

The unveiling comes at a pivotal moment for the urban air mobility sector. Vertical Aerospace has set a firm target for Type Certification with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) by late 2028. This timeline aligns with the UK government’s recently published “eVTOL Delivery Model,” which anticipates commercial operations commencing within that window.

While the company touts a significant pre-order book and a capital-efficient partnership model, the transition to mass production brings intense scrutiny regarding funding and technical execution. Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson emphasized the significance of this milestone in a statement:

“With the launch of Valo, Vertical moves from prototype developer to aerospace manufacturer. This is the aircraft that turns electric flight into a commercial reality.”

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace

Technical Specifications and Design Evolution

The Valo aircraft introduces several key design changes compared to previous iterations of the VX4 prototype. Most notably, the aircraft features a V-tail configuration, an aerodynamic update intended to reduce drag and weight. While this design choice improves efficiency, industry data suggests it introduces higher complexity regarding flight control stability during hover-to-cruise transitions.

Performance Metrics

According to the specifications released by Vertical Aerospace, Valo is engineered for high-frequency, short-haul travel. The aircraft utilizes a propulsion system consisting of eight electric motors: four tilt-rotors responsible for lift and cruise, and four fixed rotors dedicated to lift. Key performance figures include:

• Range: Approximately 100 miles (160 km).
• Top Speed: 150 mph (240 km/h).
• Capacity: 4 passengers plus 1 pilot.
• Noise Profile: Less than 50 dBA in cruise, significantly quieter than traditional helicopters.

Cabin and Payload Utility

Vertical Aerospace has highlighted the aircraft’s payload utility as a differentiator. The cabin is designed to accommodate four passengers with enough luggage space for six cabin bags and six checked bags. This specific design choice addresses a common logistical pain point in airport transfer services, a primary use case for the vehicle. The company also noted that the cabin is flexible and can be reconfigured to seat six passengers for lower-cost, high-density routes.

Strategic Context: The “Horizontal” Model

Unlike some of its United States-based competitors that pursue vertical integration, manufacturing the majority of components in-house, Vertical Aerospace employs a “horizontal integration” strategy. The company relies on a supply chain of Tier-1 aerospace partners to provide critical systems. This includes Honeywell for avionics, GKN for wing structures, and Leonardo for the fuselage.

This approach is intended to reduce research and development risks and capital expenditure by leveraging certified components from established manufacturers. However, it also creates dependency on external supply chains. The company claims this model supports its path to safety certification, aiming for the 10^-9 safety standard (one failure per billion flight hours), which is equivalent to the safety levels required of commercial airliners.

Order Book Status

Vertical Aerospace reports a pre-order book of approximately 1,500 aircraft, valued at an estimated $6 billion. Major customers listed by the company include American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Japan Airlines, and the lessor Avolon. American Airlines has notably committed to pre-delivery payments for its first 50 delivery slots, signaling a degree of confidence in the program.

AirPro News Analysis: Financial Headwinds and Competition

Financial Health vs. Certification Costs

While the technical unveiling of Valo is a positive step, Vertical Aerospace faces significant financial challenges compared to its “Big Four” rivals. Although the company recently secured approximately $50 million from Mudrick Capital and an additional $60 million via a public offering, the capital-intensive nature of aerospace certification requires sustained funding.

We note that the company has explicitly stated a need for further capital to survive through the 2028 certification target. The stock (NYSE: EVTL) has experienced volatility, reflecting market skepticism regarding the company’s cash runway into 2026. In contrast, US competitors like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation benefit from deeper cash reserves backed by strategic investors such as Toyota and Stellantis, respectively.

Competitive Landscape

The Valo enters a crowded market. Its 100-mile range and 150 mph top speed place it in direct competition with Archer Aviation’s “Midnight” aircraft. However, Joby Aviation’s “S4” currently leads in raw performance metrics with a higher top speed of 200 mph. Vertical’s specific focus on luggage capacity and the horizontal partnership model may offer a unique value proposition for operators looking to minimize maintenance overheads, provided the company can navigate the “valley of death” between prototype and certified product.

Domhnal Slattery, Chairman of Vertical Aerospace, remains optimistic about the aircraft’s position in the global market:

“Valo sets a new standard… bigger, safer, and more capable. It is a clear sign of the UK’s leadership in aerospace.”

Domhnal Slattery, Chairman

Sources

Sources: Vertical Aerospace Press Release