Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has selected Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO) to supply the low-voltage power distribution system for its Valo electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, securing a critical component as the manufacturers advances toward its Critical Design Review (CDR).

In a press release issued on June 29, 2026, the London-based aerospace company announced the long-term agreement with the New York-based supplier. Astronics will provide its CorePower system, which is designed to convert high-voltage power from the aircraft’s propulsion architecture into low-voltage power required for avionics, flight controls, and other essential flight systems.

Power distribution architecture

The integration of the CorePower system addresses a fundamental engineering requirement for electric aviation. The system manages the step-down conversion from the high-voltage battery and propulsion networks to the low-voltage systems that keep the aircraft flying safely.

“Our CorePower system is purpose-built for eVTOL applications, combining high-voltage power conversion with low-voltage power distribution delivering reliable, fault-protected power to flight-critical systems including avionics, flight controls, and navigation,” stated Jon Neal, President of Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems.

The agreement with Astronics is part of Vertical Aerospace’s broader push toward its CDR. This review will establish the certifiable design baseline for the Valo aircraft, allowing the company to transition into certification-conforming production and testing.

“Building a certifiable aircraft requires not only breakthrough technology, but also a world-class supplier ecosystem,” said Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace. “Astronics brings deep expertise in aircraft electrical power systems and has already demonstrated its capabilities through our flight test programme. This agreement is another important step as we mature Valo’s design, strengthen our supply chain and advance toward certification and commercial production.”

Expanding the supplier ecosystem

Astronics joins a growing list of aerospace suppliers partnering with Vertical Aerospace. The company previously selected Hyundai WIA for the aircraft’s landing gear on May 21, 2026. Other established partners on the Valo program include Honeywell, Aciturri, Evolito, Syensqo, and Isoclima.

The supplier announcement follows recent operational milestones for the Valo program. On June 9, 2026, Vertical Aerospace completed the first piloted flight of its final full-scale prototype. The company is targeting a cruise speed of 150 mph and a range of 100 miles for the production aircraft, which currently holds approximately 1,500 pre-orders globally. The development program is supported by a comprehensive financing package of up to $850 million, which closed on April 20, 2026.

AirPro News analysis

The selection of Astronics highlights a maturing phase in the eVTOL sector where manufacturers are shifting from conceptual prototypes to certifiable, production-ready designs. By partnering with established aerospace suppliers rather than attempting to design complex subsystems in-house, Vertical Aerospace reduces its certification risk. The CorePower system is already a known quantity in traditional aviation. Adapting it for the Valo aircraft provides regulatory authorities with familiar technology, which we view as a strategic advantage as the company navigates the complex certification pathways ahead.

Sources: Vertical Aerospace via Business Wire

Vertiport operator UrbanV and Japan Airport Consultants, Inc. (JAC) announced a strategic partnerships on June 12, 2026, to develop ground infrastructure for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations in Japan. The agreement positions the two companies as the technical leads for vertiport development within a broader Tokyo-focused consortium spearheaded by Japan Airlines (JL) and Archer Aviation.

In a press release issued by UrbanV, the companies detailed plans to align local Japanese AAM initiatives with global regulations standards established by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The initial focus will center on the Tokyo Metropolitan Area, laying the physical groundwork required for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to operate in dense urban environments.

Integrating with the Tokyo eVTOL program

The infrastructure agreement directly supports Japan’s ongoing push to commercialize passenger eVTOL flights. In November 2025, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government selected a consortium led by Japan Airlines for the first phase of its eVTOL Implementation Program. UrbanV and JAC will now serve as the strategic technical partners responsible for designing and integrating the vertiports required for this specific initiative.

Takeya Hirano, General Manager of the Planning and Development Department at JAC, highlighted the necessity of merging global insights with local expertise to navigate complex urban and aviation regulations.

“As Japan moves toward the social implementation of Advanced Air Mobility, it is essential to combine international experience with a deep understanding of Japan’s airport, aviation, regulatory and urban environments,” Hirano stated.

Hirano added that JAC will leverage its background in traditional aviation infrastructure to support the realization of a socially accepted AAM ecosystem in Japan.

Fleet scale and the Archer Midnight

The physical infrastructure developed by UrbanV and JAC will primarily support operations utilizing the Archer Midnight aircraft. In November 2024, Archer Aviation and Soracle Corporation, a joint venture between Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation, announced a strategic alliance to launch air taxi operations across Japan.

According to previous consortium announcements, Soracle intends to purchase up to 100 Archer Midnight aircraft to service these routes. The intended orders carries an approximate value of $500 million, representing a significant capital commitment to the Japanese AAM market.

UrbanV Chairman Ivan Bassato noted the importance of the Japanese market for the company’s international expansion strategy, which will eventually explore opportunities beyond Japan.

“Japan is globally recognized for its leadership in technology and innovation. We are honored to enter this market through a solid and long-term partnership with Japan Airport Consultants, a trusted local leader,” Bassato said.

AirPro News analysis

We view the UrbanV and JAC partnership as a necessary maturation step for the Japanese AAM sector. While aircraft orders and consortium formations generate headlines, the physical and regulatory integration of vertiports remains the primary bottleneck for eVTOL commercialization globally. By explicitly targeting alignment with EASA, FAA, and ICAO standards, this partnership indicates that the Japan Airlines consortium intends to build an infrastructure network capable of supporting multiple certification aircraft types in the future, rather than a closed ecosystem limited to a single manufacturer. Securing a dedicated infrastructure partner moves the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s eVTOL program from the conceptual planning phase into concrete urban integration.

Sources: UrbanV

Spanish materials supplier MEL Composites is providing advanced carbon fiber and core materials to ELA Aviación for the production of the Eclipse REVO, a new fully enclosed, two-seat autogyro capable of extremely short takeoffs.

According to a project case study released by MEL Composites, the partnerships supports the manufacturing of next-generation gyroplanes at ELA Aviación’s facility in Fuente Obejuna, Córdoba. The integration of lightweight composite structures allows the Rotax 916is-powered Eclipse REVO to achieve takeoff distances as short as 10 meters.

Material specifications and manufacturing

MEL Composites, headquartered in Vilassar de Mar, Barcelona, supplies a specific range of products for the aircraft’s construction. The materials include PVC foam cores, 3K and 6K carbon fabrics, stitched multiaxial carbon reinforcements, and vacuum consumables. These components are critical for reducing the overall weight of the airframe while maintaining structural integrity.

Eduardo Galofre, CEO of MEL Composites, stated that the company recently expanded its manufacturing capacity to provide more options for custom-shaped core material kits to meet growing aerospace demand.

“The aircraft manufactured by ELA demonstrate how carbon composite engineering can continue to improve aerospace performance, safety, and manufacturing efficiency, while offering exciting new mobility solutions for both the commercial and private aviation markets,” Galofre said.

ELA Aviación production milestones

ELA Aviación began experimental development of composite aircraft in the 1980s before officially transitioning to commercial manufacturing approximately 30 years ago. Since its founding, the manufacturer has delivered over 1,000 aircraft worldwide.

The Eclipse REVO represents the latest iteration of the company’s design philosophy. ELA Aviación describes the aircraft as the first fully enclosed, two-seater autogyro manufactured entirely from carbon composite. The lightweight fuselage, combined with the Rotax 916is engine, effectively eliminates the need for a traditional runway by enabling the 10-meter takeoff roll.

AirPro News analysis

We view the partnership between MEL Composites and ELA Aviación as indicative of a broader trend in the light sport and experimental aircraft sectors. As carbon composite materials become more accessible and manufacturing techniques mature, smaller original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can achieve performance metrics previously reserved for larger aerospace firms. The 10-meter takeoff capability of the Eclipse REVO positions it as a highly competitive option in the advanced air mobility space, particularly for operators requiring off-airport or short-field performance without the regulatory and mechanical complexity of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) systems.

Sources: MEL Composites