This article is based on an official press release from Vertical Aerospace.

Vertical Aerospace Enters Indian Market with 50-Aircraft Deal with JetSetGo

Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JetSetGo, a prominent private aviation operator in India, for the intended purchase of 50 “Valo” eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft. The agreement, announced on February 4, 2026, marks a significant expansion for the UK-based manufacturer into one of the world’s most congested transportation markets.

According to the company’s announcement, the partnership extends beyond a simple fleet acquisition. Vertical Aerospace and JetSetGo will collaborate on developing a comprehensive Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem within India. This includes joint efforts in route development, regulatory engagement, and infrastructure planning to support the commercial rollout of the Valo aircraft.

A critical component of this collaboration is the exploration of a hybrid-electric variant of the Valo. While the standard Valo is designed for zero-emissions urban travel, the companies stated that a hybrid option could better serve India’s unique geography by enabling longer-range regional missions that purely battery-electric models cannot currently support.

The “Valo” Aircraft and Certification Timeline

The aircraft at the center of this agreement is the Valo, formerly known as the VX4. Vertical Aerospace rebranded the aircraft in late 2025 as it moved toward production-intent specifications. The Valo is a piloted, four-passenger eVTOL designed to operate quietly and efficiently in urban environments.

According to technical specifications released by the manufacturer, the all-electric version of the Valo targets a range of approximately 100 miles (160 km) with top speeds reaching 150 mph (240 km/h). However, the newly announced partnership with JetSetGo places specific emphasis on developing a hybrid-electric variant, which could significantly extend operational range for inter-city travel.

Vertical Aerospace has updated its certification timeline, now targeting type certification for the Valo by 2028. This revised schedule aligns with the regulatory complexities facing the broader AAM industry. Under the terms of the MoU, commercial operations in India would commence following validation by Indian aviation authorities.

“India is a dynamic and rapidly growing market for Advanced Air Mobility… working with an experienced operator like JetSetGo allows us to explore how Valo’s all-electric and hybrid-electric variant can unlock new routes.”

, Stuart Simpson, CEO, Vertical Aerospace

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Strategic Implications for the Indian Market

India represents a high-priority market for eVTOL manufacturers due to severe urban congestion and a government initiative, known as the UDAN scheme, to improve regional air connectivity. JetSetGo, often described as the “Uber of private jets” in India, is positioning itself as a technology-agnostic aggregator in this space.

By adding the Valo to its portfolio, JetSetGo aims to address specific “intra-city” and short “inter-city” segments. This follows the operator’s previous announcements in early 2024, where it signaled intent to acquire diverse aircraft types from other manufacturers, including Horizon Aircraft and Overair. The partnership with Vertical Aerospace solidifies a multi-pronged approach to solving India’s infrastructure gaps through aerial mobility.

AirPro News Analysis

We view the inclusion of a “hybrid-electric variant” in this MoU as a tacit admission by the industry that battery density technology may not yet meet the demands of regional travel in developing markets. While urban air taxi services (intra-city) are viable with current battery tech, the infrastructure required for rapid charging is capital-intensive and scarce in many Indian tier-2 cities.

A hybrid variant allows operators like JetSetGo to bypass immediate infrastructure bottlenecks. It offers the flexibility to land at existing helipads or remote airstrips without requiring high-voltage charging stations immediately upon arrival. This pragmatic approach could give Vertical Aerospace a competitive edge over rivals who remain strictly committed to all-electric powertrains, particularly in markets where grid reliability and infrastructure development lag behind vehicle technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the VX4 and the Valo?

There is no fundamental difference; “Valo” is the new commercial brand name for the aircraft previously developed under the prototype designation “VX4.”

When will the Valo fly in India?

Vertical Aerospace targets type certification by 2028. Commercial flights in India will depend on subsequent validation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India.

Is this a binding order?

No. The agreement is currently a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for an “intended purchase,” which is standard in the eVTOL industry. It serves as a precursor to a binding purchase agreement pending certification and performance milestones.

Sources

• Business Wire

AirX Signs Firm Order for Eve eVTOLs to Launch Urban Air Mobility in Japan

Japanese air mobility platform AirX Inc. has signed a firm order agreement with Eve Air Mobility for two electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. According to the official announcement, the agreement also includes purchase rights for an additional 48 aircraft, bringing the potential total order to 50 units.

The deal marks a significant step for the integration of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) in Japan, a market that has aggressively pursued advanced air solutions to combat congestion in its dense metropolitan areas. In addition to the hardware, AirX has purchased Eve’s “Vector” software, an urban air traffic management (ATM) solution designed to optimize fleet operations and safely integrate eVTOLs into existing airspace.

Agreement Details and Timeline

The collaboration between AirX and Eve Air Mobility focuses on establishing a sustainable and efficient transportation network in Japan. While much of the industry hype has centered on the upcoming 2025 Osaka World Expo, this agreement points toward a longer-term commercial rollout. The initial two aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2029.

According to the press release, the aircraft will be utilized to launch commercial UAM services, specifically targeting sightseeing tours and last-mile transportation in the Tokyo and Osaka metropolitan areas. This aligns with AirX’s existing business model, which currently connects customers with helicopter operators for similar services.

Integration of Vector Software

A critical component of this agreement is the adoption of Eve’s Vector software. As the UAM industry scales, managing low-altitude traffic will become increasingly complex. Eve describes Vector as an agnostic solution designed to address these challenges by optimizing fleet performance and ensuring safe separation between aircraft in urban environments.

Operational Context in Japan

AirX Inc. operates as a technology-driven charter agency, distinct from the Malta-based operator of the same name. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company has established itself as Japan’s largest helicopter charter service platform. Through its digital platforms, AIROS Skyview and AIROS Charter, AirX books over 2,000 sightseeing flights and 200 charter flights annually.

By securing a firm order for Eve’s eVTOLs, AirX is positioning itself to transition from traditional helicopters to electric aircraft. Eve’s eVTOL design features a “Lift + Cruise” configuration, utilizing dedicated rotors for vertical flight and fixed wings for cruising. The aircraft is 100% electric and designed to be up to 90% quieter than equivalent helicopters, a vital specification for operations over noise-sensitive Japanese cities.

AirPro News Analysis

The Reality of the 2029 Timeline

While the Japanese government has heavily promoted the “Air Mobility Revolution” with eyes on the 2025 Osaka World Expo, the 2029 delivery date in this agreement offers a pragmatic reality check for the industry. It suggests that while demonstration flights may occur sooner, robust commercial scaling is a late-2020s phenomenon.

The Platform Strategy

This deal highlights a shift in how operators are approaching the market. AirX is not a traditional airline but a digital platform, an “Uber for the skies.” By securing hardware from Eve and potentially other vendors (such as their reported interest in EHang aircraft), AirX is adopting a multi-vendor strategy. This reduces reliance on a single manufacturer’s certification timeline and allows them to build the customer layer independent of the hardware layer.

Certification Hurdles

Eve Air Mobility benefits from its relationship with Embraer, leveraging 50 years of aerospace certification experience. However, the regulatory path remains complex. Eve is pursuing type certification with ANAC in Brazil, followed by validation with the FAA in the United States. For operations in Japan, Eve will need to work with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) to validate these foreign certifications, a process that competitors like SkyDrive are already navigating domestically.

About the Companies

Eve Air Mobility is a publicly traded company (NYSE: EVEX) dedicated to accelerating the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem. Spun out of Embraer, it boasts one of the industry’s largest backlogs, with letters of intent for nearly 3,000 aircraft globally. Its portfolio includes the eVTOL aircraft, a global services and support network, and the Vector air traffic management software.

AirX Inc. was founded in 2015 and is based in Tokyo, Japan. It operates a unique business model that digitizes the booking process for helicopter charters and sightseeing. The company claims a record of zero accidents since its inception and aims to revolutionize short-distance travel in Japan by reducing cost and travel time through UAM technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Eve eVTOLs be flying in Japan?
The firm order states that the initial two aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2029.

What is the range of the Eve eVTOL?
The aircraft is designed with a range of approximately 60 miles (100 km), making it suitable for urban commuting and sightseeing.

Is this the only eVTOL AirX has ordered?
AirX is pursuing a diversified fleet strategy. In addition to the Eve order, reports indicate they have placed pre-orders for the EHang EH216, an autonomous aircraft from China.

What is the difference between a firm order and a letter of intent (LOI)?
A firm order represents a binding commitment to purchase, often involving a deposit or financial agreement. An LOI is generally a non-binding expression of interest. This agreement for two aircraft is a firm order, while the remaining 48 units are purchase rights (options).

Sources

• Eve Air Mobility Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Skyryse.

Skyryse Secures Over $300 Million in Series C Funding, Achieving $1.15 Billion Valuation

Skyryse, a developer of universal flight automation systems, has announced the completion of a Series C funding round raising more than $300 million. According to the company, this latest capital injection pushes its post-money valuation to $1.15 billion, officially granting the Los Angeles-based aviation tech firm “unicorn” status.

The round was led by Autopilot Ventures and returning investor Fidelity Management & Research Company. Other participants included the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), ArrowMark Partners, Atreides Management LP, BAM Elevate, Baron Capital Group, Durable Capital Partners, and Positive Sum. To date, Skyryse states it has raised over $605 million to support its mission of simplifying flight control.

The primary objective of this funding is to accelerate the certification and commercialization of SkyOS, the company’s proprietary hardware and software stack designed to replace complex mechanical flight controls with a unified, automated interface.

Accelerating Certification for SkyOS

Skyryse reports that the new capital will specifically fund the final phase of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification, known as “for-credit” flight testing. This phase represents the final validation step where flight data counts directly toward commercial approval.

According to the company, SkyOS is a universal operating system that can be retrofitted onto existing aircraft. The system replaces traditional “stick and rudder” controls, such as the cyclic, collective, pedals, and throttle found in helicopters, with a simplified four-axis control stick and two touchscreens. The technology aims to democratize aviation by reducing the pilot workload and training requirements through Simplified Vehicle Operations (SVO).

Key Technical Milestones

In its announcement, Skyryse highlighted several regulatory achievements that pave the way for this final testing phase:

• Design Approval: The FAA has granted design approval for the SkyOS flight control computers, freezing the hardware architecture.
• Means of Compliance: The regulator has accepted Skyryse’s “100% Means of Compliance” plan, which outlines exactly how the system will demonstrate safety standards.

“The funding marks a major milestone in Skyryse’s journey… Surpassing $1B in valuation is a historic moment for the founder-led, privately-held company.”

, Mark Groden, PhD, Founder & CEO of Skyryse

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Strategic Focus: Retrofit Over New Build

Unlike many emerging aviation companies focused on building entirely new electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Skyryse’s business model centers on retrofitting the existing global fleet. The company claims its technology is applicable to any aircraft, from light helicopters to fixed-wing planes.

Skyryse has already secured partnerships to integrate SkyOS into diverse operational fleets. These include Air Methods, the largest air medical transport provider in the United States, and Robinson Helicopter, a leading manufacturer of civil helicopters. The company has also engaged in contracts with the U.S. military to demonstrate automated capabilities on utility aircraft such as the Sikorsky Black Hawk.

AirPro News Analysis: The Retrofit Advantage

While the aviation industry has seen significant investment in eVTOL startups like Joby and Archer, Skyryse’s approach offers a distinct path to market that bypasses the manufacturing hurdles of building new airframes. By focusing on a “retrofit” strategy, Skyryse targets an immediate addressable market of approximately 20,000 civil turbine helicopters and over 300,000 general aviation aircraft worldwide.

This strategy mitigates the risks associated with battery density limitations and infrastructure development that currently constrain the eVTOL sector. Furthermore, the FAA’s upcoming MOSAIC rule is expected to formalize regulations for Simplified Vehicle Operations (SVO). If SkyOS achieves certification, it could position Skyryse as a primary beneficiary of these regulatory changes, allowing operators to upgrade legacy fleets with modern safety features, such as envelope protection and auto-emergency landing, without purchasing entirely new aircraft.

Safety and Automation Features

Skyryse emphasizes that its system is designed to keep the pilot in the loop while automating dangerous or complex tasks. Key safety features of SkyOS include:

• Envelope Protection: Automatically prevents the aircraft from entering unsafe flight states, such as stalls or spins.
• Auto-Emergency Landing: Capable of landing the aircraft automatically in the event of engine failure (including autorotation for helicopters) or pilot incapacitation.
• IFR Capability: Designed to allow safe operation in zero-visibility conditions.

With the “for-credit” testing phase now funded, Skyryse aims to finalize the transition from a developmental technology to a certified commercial product, potentially reshaping how general aviation aircraft are flown.

Sources

• Skyryse Official Announcement