Vertical Aerospace Unveils “Valo” and Secures Strategic Foothold in Monaco

Vertical Aerospace has officially entered the race for the French Riviera’s electric aviation market, announcing a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Heli Air Monaco on December 9, 2025. The agreement positions the Bristol-based manufacturer to deploy its newly rebranded “Valo” eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft on one of the world’s most lucrative short-haul routes, the corridor between Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and Monaco.

The partnership marks a significant shift for Vertical Aerospace as it transitions from research and development to commercialization. By aligning with Heli Air Monaco, the region’s founding and dominant helicopter operator, Vertical aims to integrate its zero-emission aircraft into an existing, high-frequency transport network rather than building operations from scratch.

Simultaneously, the company revealed that its flagship aircraft, formerly known as the VX4 prototype, has been officially named “Valo.” The production model is targeting Certification by 2028, with concurrent validation sought from both the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

A Strategic Alliance with Heli Air Monaco

According to the company’s press release, the MoU outlines a commitment for Heli Air Monaco to pre-order the Valo aircraft. While specific financial terms and fleet numbers remain undisclosed, the intent is to replace the operator’s existing fleet of Airbus helicopters with Vertical’s electric alternative over time.

Heli Air Monaco, founded in 1976 with the support of Prince Rainier III, currently operates a high-frequency shuttle service that transports over 100,000 passengers annually. The operator’s shuttles run every 15 to 30 minutes between Nice and Monaco, a route that takes approximately seven minutes by air compared to an hour or more by car.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, emphasized the environmental and operational alignment between the two companies:

“Vertical and Héli Air Monaco share a vision for cleaner, quieter and more efficient travel across one of the world’s most iconic coastlines. This partnership… accelerates our momentum toward bringing electric flight to market.”

The collaboration extends beyond simple fleet replacement. The companies plan to connect Monaco not only to Nice but also to other premium destinations such as Cannes and Saint-Tropez, leveraging the Valo’s range and low noise profile to access noise-sensitive communities.

Introducing the “Valo”

Coinciding with the partnership announcement, Vertical Aerospace unveiled the production specifications for the Valo. The aircraft is designed to carry four passengers and one pilot, with a flexible interior configuration that can be expanded to accommodate six passengers in future iterations.

Key performance metrics released by the company include:

• Range: Up to 100 miles (160 km).
• Top Speed: 150 mph (241 km/h).
• Noise Profile: Significantly quieter than traditional Helicopters, registering less than 50 dBA in cruise flight.

Design changes from the VX4 prototype include a rounder nose, redesigned wing tips, and a modified V-tail, all intended to improve aerodynamics and stability. Jacques Crovetto, CEO of Heli Air Monaco, highlighted the community impact of the new aircraft:

“With Valo, we are reimagining the future of travel across the Riviera. By decarbonising our fleet… we will be delivering a flight experience that respects our neighbours [and] our environment.”

Infrastructure and Regulatory Readiness

The deployment of the Valo is supported by existing infrastructure stakeholders, including Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur (Nice Airport) and Monaco Heliport. Unlike other regions requiring the construction of new “vertiports,” the Nice-Monaco corridor is actively adapting current facilities for electric aviation.

Nice Airport, which handled a record 14.8 million passengers in 2024, is currently installing electric charging stations and updating fire safety protocols to handle high-voltage batteries. Franck Goldnadel, Chairman of Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur, stated in the release:

“The arrival of electric vertical take-off aircraft extends our efforts in transforming and decarbonizing air mobility… particularly over short distances.”

AirPro News Analysis: The Battle for the Riviera

The French Riviera has emerged as a primary battleground for the nascent eVTOL industry, and Vertical Aerospace’s partnership with Heli Air Monaco represents a distinct “incumbent strategy.” While competitors are pursuing different paths to market, Vertical is betting on the stability of heritage operators.

The Competitive Landscape:

• Vertical Aerospace: By partnering with Heli Air Monaco, Vertical gains immediate access to prime slots, a mature customer base, and operational data from a carrier that has flown the route for nearly 50 years.
• Joby Aviation: In August 2025, Joby agreed to acquire the passenger operations of Blade Air Mobility. This “acquisition strategy” gives Joby direct control over the booking platform and customer interface, aiming for deployment around 2026 or 2027.
• Lilium: The German manufacturer has partnered with UrbanV and Nice Airport to build a regional vertiport network. Their “infrastructure strategy” focuses on creating a broader regional footprint by 2026.

Vertical’s approach mitigates some operational risks by plugging the Valo into a system that is already functioning. However, the 2028 certification target places them slightly behind the projected timelines of Joby and Lilium, making the execution of the certification process with EASA and the UK CAA critical to maintaining their competitive position.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Valo aircraft enter service?
Vertical Aerospace is targeting certification for the Valo in 2028. Commercial services with Heli Air Monaco would commence following regulatory approval.

What is the difference between the VX4 and the Valo?
The VX4 was the prototype designation. Valo is the official name for the production-intent aircraft, which features aerodynamic improvements including a redesigned nose, wing tips, and V-tail.

Is the infrastructure ready for electric aircraft?
Yes. Nice Airport and Monaco Heliport are currently adapting existing helipads with charging infrastructure and safety protocols, allowing the Valo to utilize established flight corridors immediately upon launch.

How safe is the aircraft?
The Valo is being certified under EASA’s “Special Condition VTOL” regulations, which require a safety target of 10^-9 (one catastrophic failure per billion flight hours). This is the same safety standard applied to large commercial airliners like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A320.

Sources

• Vertical Aerospace Press Release