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

Vertical Aerospace Secures Grant to Pioneer eVTOL Medical Evacuations in Singapore

Vertical Aerospace, the UK-based electric aviation manufacturer, has been awarded a Proof-of-Concept (POC) grant to explore the use of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for emergency medical services (EMS) in Singapore. The funding comes from Hatch, the innovation center of Singapore’s Home Team Science & Technology Agency (HTX), marking a significant step toward integrating advanced air mobility into public safety operations.

The project, which runs through April 2026, will focus on developing a Concept of Operations (ConOps) for rapid medical response. Specifically, the initiative aims to address the logistical challenges of evacuating patients from Singapore’s remote island territories, such as Pulau Ubin and the Southern Islands, where traditional boat transfers can delay critical care.

Advancing the “Dimension X” Initiative

According to the company’s announcement, the grant was awarded as part of the Dimension X Cohort 7 Open Innovation Challenge. This program seeks dual-use technologies capable of enhancing public safety and security. Vertical Aerospace secured the award to address the challenge of “next-generation mobility platforms for rapid aerial emergency response.”

The grant provides S$100,000 (approximately USD 74,000) in non-dilutive funding. While the financial sum is modest relative to aerospace development costs, the strategic Partnerships with Singaporean government agencies offers Vertical Aerospace a valuable foothold in one of the world’s most forward-looking regulatory environments.

Targeting the Golden Hour

The primary operational goal is to reduce the time required for medical evacuations. Currently, emergencies on islands like Pulau Ubin require a multi-modal transfer involving land ambulances and Police Coast Guard vessels. This process can exceed 45 minutes, a critical delay in trauma cases where the “golden hour” often determines patient survival.

Vertical Aerospace intends to demonstrate that its eVTOL technology can bypass maritime traffic and docking logistics, potentially reducing transfer times to under 10 minutes. The project will involve collaboration with HTX and frontline operational stakeholders to validate these time savings and establish safety protocols.

“The project is focused on how electric and hybrid-electric vertical flight could support time-critical medical response for remote island areas around Singapore.”

, Vertical Aerospace Statement

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The “Valo” Aircraft: A New Standard for EMS

The study will utilize the specifications of Vertical’s flagship production aircraft, the Valo. Officially succeeding the VX4 prototype name in late 2025, the Valo represents the company’s refined design intended for commercial certification.

According to technical details released by the company, the Valo features significant upgrades over previous iterations, including a cleaner fuselage for reduced drag and a liquid-cooled battery system located under the floor to maximize cabin volume. The aircraft is designed to carry one pilot and four passengers, with a flexible interior that can be reconfigured to accommodate medical stretchers and essential life-support equipment.

With a targeted range of 100 miles (160 km) and top speeds of 150 mph (240 km/h), the aircraft is well-suited for the short-hop, high-speed requirements of Singapore’s island geography.

AirPro News Analysis

From Luxury to Lifesaving: A Strategic Pivot

We view this partnership as a strategic pivot for the eVTOL industry. While early narratives focused on “air taxis” for urban commuters, the regulatory path for such services remains complex due to noise and traffic management concerns. By focusing on Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Vertical Aerospace is targeting a “public good” use case.

Regulators and the public are generally more accepting of new aviation technologies when they serve lifesaving functions. If Vertical can successfully demonstrate the safety and efficiency of the Valo for medical evacuations in Singapore, a “living lab” for aviation technology, it could establish a blueprint for similar operations globally, accelerating certification and public acceptance faster than commercial passenger routes could alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the timeline for this project?

The Proof-of-Concept project is scheduled to run through April 2026. It focuses on feasibility studies and operational planning rather than immediate commercial service.

What is the difference between the VX4 and the Valo?

The VX4 was Vertical Aerospace’s prototype name. As of December 2025, the company rebranded its production aircraft as “Valo.” The Valo features updated aerodynamics and battery systems compared to the earlier prototype.

Who is funding this grant?

The grant is funded by Hatch, the innovation center of the Home Team Science & Technology Agency (HTX), which is a statutory board under Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs.

Sources

• BusinessWire

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

Vertical Aerospace Selects Evolito to Power Valo eVTOL

Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has officially announced the selection of Evolito as the electric propulsion unit (EPU) partner for its flagship aircraft, Valo. The agreement marks a critical milestone for the Bristol-based manufacturers as it moves toward a targeted certification date in 2028. Under the terms of the partnership, Evolito will supply the axial-flux electric motors and controller units necessary to power the piloted, four-passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

This selection concludes a strategic search for a new propulsion supplier following the termination of Vertical’s previous agreement with Rolls-Royce in May 2024. By partnering with Evolito, a company spun out of YASA Motors in 2021, Vertical Aerospace is betting on lightweight, high-torque technology derived from the automotive sector to meet the rigorous demands of commercial electric flight.

Partnership Details and Technical Specifications

According to the company’s announcement, the Valo aircraft will utilize eight individual electric propulsion units provided by Evolito. These units are based on proprietary axial-flux technology, a design known for offering higher torque densities and a smaller form factor compared to traditional radial-flux motors. This weight-saving characteristic is essential for eVTOL performance, where every kilogram impacts range and payload capacity.

The two companies will collaborate closely on the certification process. The propulsion system will undergo validation with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), with concurrent validation sought from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Evolito has already secured Design Organization Approval (DOA) from the UK CAA as of November 2023, a mandatory regulatory standard for companies designing aircraft components.

“Evolito will supply lightweight, high-torque motors that are essential for the aircraft’s performance and safety.”

, Vertical Aerospace Press Release

From Prototype to Production

The partnership focuses specifically on the Valo, the commercial branding for the aircraft previously developed under the prototype designation VX4. The Valo is designed to transport a pilot and four passengers with a range of approximately 100 miles and a cruise speed of 150 mph, producing zero operating emissions. Vertical Aerospace currently holds a conditional pre-order book of approximately 1,500 units from major global operators, including American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Japan Airlines.

Strategic Context and Financial Outlook

The selection of Evolito highlights a divergence in strategy among leading eVTOL developers. While competitors like Joby Aviation have opted for vertical integration, designing and manufacturing their motors in-house, Vertical Aerospace continues to pursue a “best-in-class supplier” model. This approach relies on integrating components from specialized aerospace partners such as Honeywell (avionics), GKN Aerospace (wings), and Leonardo (fuselage).

AirPro News Analysis: The Financial Runway

While the technical partnership solidifies the aircraft’s design, the financial timeline remains a critical factor for Vertical Aerospace. According to preliminary Q4 2025 financial results, the company reported approximately £69 million ($93 million) in cash and equivalents. Based on current burn rates, this provides a cash runway extending through mid-2026.

With certification targeted for 2028, the company faces a significant gap between its current funding and the commercialization of the Valo. The projected net cash outflow for 2026 is estimated at £175 million ($235 million). Consequently, the success of the Evolito partnership is not only a technical necessity but a strategic imperative to demonstrate progress and attract the capital required to bridge the gap to certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the VX4 and Valo?
VX4 was the name given to the prototype aircraft used during testing phases. Valo is the official brand name for the commercial production aircraft that will be delivered to customers.

Why did Vertical Aerospace switch from Rolls-Royce?
Vertical Aerospace and Rolls-Royce mutually agreed to terminate their contract in May 2024. The shift to Evolito represents a move toward a specialized supplier focused exclusively on lightweight electric propulsion technology derived from the automotive sector.

When is the Valo expected to enter service?
Vertical Aerospace is targeting certification for the Valo aircraft in 2028, pending regulatory approval from the UK CAA and EASA.

Sources

• Vertical Aerospace Press Release
• Vertical Aerospace Investor Relations (Q4 2025 Data)

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