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

Advertisement

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