Technology & Innovation
Vertical Aerospace Unveils Valo and UK Electric Air Taxi Network for 2029
Vertical Aerospace announces the Valo eVTOL and plans UK’s first electric air taxi network launching in 2029, with flights from Canary Wharf to Heathrow.
This article is based on an official press release from Vertical Aerospace.
On December 9, 2025, Vertical Aerospace announced a strategic consortium to launch the United Kingdom’s first electric air taxi network. In partnership with infrastructure developer Skyports Infrastructure and operator Bristow Group, the Bristol-based manufacturer aims to commence commercial operations in the first quarter of 2029. The announcement coincided with the unveiling of “Valo,” Vertical’s new commercial-grade eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft.
According to the company’s press release, the network will center on a primary hub at Canary Wharf in London. The initiative is designed to drastically reduce transit times between the financial district and major transport nodes. For example, the partners project a flight time of approximately 12 minutes between Canary Wharf and Heathrow Airport, a journey that typically takes 60 to 90 minutes by road.
The timeline for the project hinges on regulatory approval. Vertical Aerospace is targeting Type Certification with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) by 2028, paving the way for commercial service the following year.
Replacing the previous VX4 prototype, the newly unveiled “Valo” represents Vertical Aerospace’s production-intent aircraft. The design incorporates data gathered during the company’s flight test campaigns, resulting in significant aerodynamic and structural changes aimed at commercial viability.
The aircraft is a piloted eVTOL designed to carry four passengers. According to specifications released by the company, Valo features a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h) and a maximum range of 100 miles (161 km). The company emphasizes the aircraft’s low noise profile, stating it operates at less than 50 dBA in cruise, making it significantly quieter than traditional helicopters.
Vertical Aerospace highlighted several key engineering updates in the Valo design:
Regarding safety, the manufacturer stated they are targeting a $10^{-9}$ safety level, a standard equivalent to that of commercial airliners.
“Valo is the aircraft that turns electric flight into a commercial reality, clean, quiet, fast, and engineered for everyday service. Electric flight will transform how cities move, and London is one of the best places in the world to prove it.”
, Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace
The partnership divides responsibilities among three distinct entities to create a functional Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem. Vertical Aerospace will transition from prototype developer to aerospace manufacturer, responsible for the production and certification of the Valo fleet.
Skyports Infrastructure will manage the ground component. Their role involves designing, building, and operating the vertiports required for take-off and landing. Key assets in this network include the existing London Heliport and a newly planned facility at Bicester Motion.
Bristow Group, a global leader in vertical flight solutions, will serve as the operator. Utilizing its existing Air Operator Certificates (AOCs), Bristow will handle pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and passenger logistics.
“With Bristow’s operational strength, we can accelerate plans for electric air taxi routes across the region, with the plan to create a UK-wide network.”
, Chris Bradshaw, CEO of Bristow Group
To support the launch, Vertical Aerospace commissioned an independent report by Frontier Economics. The report projects that the venture could generate £3 billion ($3.8 billion) annually for the UK economy by 2035. Furthermore, the ecosystem is expected to create over 2,000 high-skilled jobs within the sector.
While the initial focus remains on the Canary Wharf to Heathrow route, the consortium has outlined plans for expansion. Future destinations include Gatwick Airport, Cambridge, Oxford, and the new vertiport in Bicester.
The shift from the VX4 prototype to the “Valo” branding signals a critical maturity phase for Vertical Aerospace. By locking in a production design, the company is moving away from experimental iteration toward the rigid demands of certification. However, the target date of Q1 2029 for commercial launch remains aggressive.
While the UK CAA has published policy consultations aligning with a 2028 start for eVTOL operations, the certification process for novel electric aircraft remains complex. Vertical Aerospace is currently in Phase 4 of its flight test program (piloted transition flights). The success of this timeline will depend heavily on the speed of regulatory validation and the ability of infrastructure partners like Skyports to secure real estate and planning permissions in dense urban environments like Canary Wharf. When will the service launch? How fast is the Valo aircraft? Who will fly the aircraft? What is the range of the aircraft?
Vertical Aerospace Unveils “Valo” and Plans UK Air Taxi Network for 2029
Introducing the “Valo” Aircraft
Design and Safety Specifications
Operational Ecosystem and Partners
Economic Impact and Future Routes
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The partners are targeting a commercial launch in Q1 2029, following expected certification in 2028.
The aircraft has a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h).
The Valo is a piloted aircraft. Bristow Group will provide professional pilots and manage flight operations.
The Valo has a stated range of up to 100 miles (161 km).
Sources
Photo Credit: Vertical Aerospace