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

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