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

Jekta Advances Electric Amphibian Program with 1:9 Scale Model Unveiling

Swiss aerospace manufacturer Jekta has officially unveiled a 1:9 scale model of its PHA-ZE 100 (Passenger Hydro Aircraft, Zero Emissions 100), marking a critical milestone in the development of its 19-passenger electric aviation amphibious aircraft. The announcement, made on December 11, 2025, confirms that the company has moved into active flight testing with the sub-scale demonstrator to validate its aerodynamic and hydrodynamic designs.

According to the company’s announcement, the remote-controlled model is currently undergoing flight campaigns in Italy. These tests are designed to gather real-world data that will be cross-referenced with computer simulations, ensuring the airframe is mature before the company proceeds to full-scale production. Jekta aims to reintroduce the utility of the “flying boat” to the global market, targeting an entry into service by 2030.

Flight Testing and Validation

The newly unveiled model represents a significant engineering step for the Payerne-based company. While digital modeling provides a theoretical baseline, physical testing of the 1:9 scale model allows engineers to observe how the hull interacts with water during takeoff and landing, as well as how the distributed electric propulsion system performs in flight.

The testing is taking place near the base of Jekta’s Head of Design, Max Pinucci, in Italy. In a statement regarding the program’s progress, Jekta CEO George Alafinov emphasized the practical utility of the large-scale model:

“The 1:9 scale model is large enough to provide data representative of the full-size aircraft and is allowing us to efficiently expand the test envelope… ensuring the aircraft’s maturity as we work towards introducing it to the global air transport network in 2030.”

, George Alafinov, CEO of Jekta

PHA-ZE 100 Technical Specifications

The full-scale PHA-ZE 100 is designed to serve coastal communities, island nations, and regional routes that lack extensive airport infrastructure. By utilizing existing waterways and standard runways, the aircraft offers operational flexibility without the need for the expensive vertiports often required by eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) competitors.

According to technical details released by the manufacturer, the aircraft will feature:

• Capacity: 19 passengers in a standard economy configuration, with options for VIP or cargo layouts.
• Propulsion: Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP) utilizing 8 electric motors mounted on the wings for redundancy and safety.
• Speed: A cruise speed of 110–135 knots (approximately 200–250 km/h).
• Certification Basis: The aircraft is being developed to meet EASA CS-23 and FAA FAR-23 standards.

Battery vs. Hydrogen Variants

Jekta has outlined a dual-propulsion strategy to meet different market needs. The base model will utilize battery-electric technology, offering a range of approximately 150 km, suitable for short inter-island hops. However, through a partnership with ZeroAvia, Jekta is also developing a hydrogen fuel cell variant. This configuration is projected to quadruple the effective range to nearly 600 km, making regional connectivity viable for zero-emission operators.

AirPro News Analysis

The Return of the Flying Boat

Jekta’s progress highlights a growing sub-sector in sustainable aviation: the modernization of the amphibious aircraft. While the “Golden Age” of flying boats faded after World War II due to the rise of long runways and jet engines, the format solves a specific modern problem. Developing nations in Southeast Asia and archipelagos like the Maldives often struggle to build land-based runways due to ecological concerns or lack of space. The PHA-ZE 100’s ability to operate from water offers an “infrastructure-light” solution.

We note that Jekta faces competition in this niche, specifically from Norway’s Elfly Group, which is developing the 9-seat “Noemi,” and the US-based REGENT, which is building the “Viceroy” seaglider. However, Jekta’s 19-seat capacity places it in a larger utility class, potentially appealing to operators looking to replace aging Twin Otters or Cessna Caravans on over-water routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Jekta PHA-ZE 100 enter service?

Jekta is targeting an entry into service (EIS) for 2030 or 2031, following certification under EASA and FAA regulations.

What is the range of the aircraft?

The battery-electric version has a range of approximately 150 km, while the hydrogen fuel cell variant aims for a range of up to 600 km.

Is this a vertical takeoff (VTOL) aircraft?

No. The PHA-ZE 100 is an amphibious aircraft that takes off and lands horizontally on water (using its hull) or on land (using retractable wheels). It does not require the complex tilt-rotor mechanisms found in eVTOLs.

Sources

• Jekta Switzerland

KLM Backs Wennink Report, Calls for National SAF Fund to Secure Dutch Economic Future

On December 12, 2025, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines officially endorsed the findings of the newly released advisory report, “The Route to Future Prosperity” (De weg naar toekomstige welvaart). Authored by former ASML CEO Peter Wennink, the report outlines a strategic roadmap for the Dutch economy, emphasizing the need for significant investment to maintain national competitiveness.

Central to KLM’s endorsement is the report’s recommendation for the Dutch government to establish a national SAF fund. The airline argues that such a financial mechanism is critical to bridging the price gap between fossil kerosene and renewable alternatives, thereby accelerating the aviation sector’s transition to Sustainability without compromising the Netherlands’ economic standing.

The Wennink Report: A Call for Investment

Commissioned to analyze the Dutch Investments climate, the Wennink report warns that the Netherlands risks economic stagnation if it does not increase its annual growth rate to between 1.5% and 2%. According to the findings, maintaining current social standards, including healthcare, defense, and the energy transition, requires a massive capital injection.

The report estimates that an additional €151 billion to €187 billion in investment is needed by 2035 to modernize the economy. It identifies specific high-productivity sectors as essential pillars for future prosperity, including Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology, and aviation.

KLM has aligned itself with these findings, noting that a thriving business climate relies heavily on international connectivity. In its statement, the airline emphasized that the connectivity provided by Schiphol Airport is vital for Dutch trade and for attracting international headquarters to the region.

The Proposal for a National SAF Fund

A key pillar of the aviation Strategy proposed in the report is the creation of a government-backed fund dedicated to Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Currently, SAF is significantly more expensive than traditional fossil kerosene, often three to four times the price, and suffers from limited supply availability.

KLM posits that a national fund would act as a catalyst to solve these market inefficiencies. By subsidizing the cost difference, the fund would make SAF more affordable for Airlines, ensuring they remain competitive against non-EU carriers that may not face similar sustainability mandates. Furthermore, the fund is intended to de-risk long-term investments for energy companies, encouraging the construction of domestic refineries, such as the facilities planned in Delfzijl.

“Such a fund would enable the Netherlands to accelerate the production of alternative aviation fuels and make them more affordable, thereby accelerating the sector’s sustainability.”

— KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

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Strategic Competitiveness vs. Taxation

KLM used the release of the Wennink report to argue against unilateral national taxes or flight restrictions, which have been subjects of recent political debate in the Netherlands. The airline warns that such measures could harm the Dutch economy by reducing connectivity and driving business elsewhere.

Instead, KLM advocates for incentivizing sustainability. The airline suggests that the government must take a more active role in the energy transition rather than relying solely on industry mandates. According to the press release, “Real progress can only be achieved if government and industry work together and if the government takes a more active role.”

AirPro News Analysis

The endorsement of the Wennink report represents a strategic pivot for KLM, moving the conversation from “flight shaming” to economic necessity. By aligning its sustainability goals with the broader “Draghi-style” warnings about European competitiveness, KLM is positioning aviation not just as a transport sector, but as a geopolitical asset essential for the Netherlands’ survival as a trading nation.

However, this call for government funding comes amidst a complex backdrop. In 2024, KLM faced legal scrutiny regarding “greenwashing” allegations, with courts ruling that some “Fly Responsibly” advertisements painted an overly optimistic picture of SAF’s immediate impact. The push for a national fund can be interpreted as a tacit admission that the industry cannot achieve its 2030 and 2050 climate targets through market forces alone; without state intervention to lower the cost of SAF, the “green” transition remains economically unfeasible for legacy carriers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Wennink Report?

Titled “The Route to Future Prosperity,” it is an advisory report authored by Peter Wennink (former CEO of ASML) that analyzes the Dutch investment climate and proposes strategies to boost economic growth and productivity.

Why does KLM want a national SAF fund?

Sustainable Aviation Fuel is currently much more expensive than fossil kerosene. A national fund would help bridge this price gap, making it affordable for airlines to use more renewable fuel while encouraging energy companies to build production facilities in the Netherlands.

How much investment does the report say is needed?

The report estimates that the Netherlands needs an additional €151 billion to €187 billion in investment by 2035 to modernize its economy and maintain social standards.

Sources

• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines