Technology & Innovation
Vertical Aerospace Selects Hyundai WIA for Valo eVTOL Landing Gear
Vertical Aerospace partners with Hyundai WIA for landing gear on its Valo eVTOL, advancing certification and production with key suppliers onboard.
This article is based on an official press release from Vertical Aerospace.
United Kingdom-based electric aviation developer Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has officially selected South Korean manufacturing giant Hyundai WIA as the exclusive landing gear partner for its flagship electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the “Valo.” According to a company press release issued on May 21, 2026, the long-term partnerships tasks the Hyundai Corporation subsidiary with the end-to-end design, development, and manufacture of a bespoke, lightweight landing gear system.
This agreement represents a critical step in finalizing Vertical Aerospace’s supply chain as the company prepares for its upcoming Critical Design Review (CDR) and eventual commercial production. By securing a partner with decades of advanced manufacturing experience, Vertical aims to lock in key design elements ahead of full-scale certification testing.
The official announcement also noted that United Kingdom-based engineering firm Stirling Dynamics will act as a key design partner in the endeavor. Bringing over 30 years of experience in certified aircraft programs, Stirling Dynamics will support Hyundai WIA in delivering a technically mature solution tailored to the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector.
Finalizing the Valo Supply Chain
With the addition of Hyundai WIA, Vertical Aerospace has now secured top-tier suppliers across all major aircraft systems. According to the company’s press release, this comprehensive network illustrates the growing maturity of the Valo’s industrial foundation.
The complete supplier ecosystem for the Valo now includes several prominent aerospace and manufacturing firms. Honeywell is tasked with flight control and aircraft management systems, while Aciturri is providing airframe structures. Evolito is supplying the electric propulsion units, Syensqo is handling composite materials, and Isoclima is responsible for the aircraft’s transparencies, including windows and glass.
“As we advance toward certification and industrialization, securing world-class suppliers remains central to our strategy. Hyundai WIA brings deep expertise in advanced manufacturing and high-integrity systems, further strengthening the industrial foundation supporting Valo’s path to commercial service.”
Technical Milestones and Aircraft Background
The Valo eVTOL
Vertical Aerospace is developing the Valo as a piloted, four-passenger eVTOL aircraft designed to operate with zero operating emissions. According to the company’s official materials, Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant of the aircraft to offer increased range and mission flexibility for operators. The company currently holds approximately 1,500 pre-orders for the Valo from major global aviation clients, including American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL, and Japan Airlines.
Path to Certification
This partnership announcement closely follows a major technical milestone for Vertical Aerospace. The company recently completed a successful two-way piloted transition flight, which validates the aircraft’s core operating mode and technology. The company is now moving toward its Critical Design Review, a vital engineering phase that will establish the certifiable design baseline required to build and test certification-conforming aircraft.
“We are proud to partner with Vertical Aerospace on the Valo programme and support the development of next-generation electric aviation. We look forward to working closely with Vertical and Stirling Dynamics to deliver a robust, innovative landing gear solution that meets the highest safety standards and performance.”
Financial Landscape and Market Position
AirPro News analysis
While the technical milestones and supply chain developments are promising, we note that Vertical Aerospace, like many eVTOL startups, is navigating a highly capital-intensive certification process. Market data from Investing.com as of May 2026 indicates that the company’s stock has faced significant headwinds, trading down approximately 55% year-to-date with a market capitalization of around $303 million, largely due to the high cash burn rates associated with aerospace research and development.
However, the company has taken substantial steps to secure its financial future. According to April 2026 reporting by Stock Titan and Business Wire, Vertical successfully executed and closed a comprehensive financing package worth up to $850 million. This capital injection significantly enhances the company’s liquidity, extending its cash runway to support these final, critical stages of certification and industrialization alongside partners like Hyundai WIA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Vertical Aerospace Valo?
The Valo is a piloted, four-passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for zero operating emissions. A hybrid-electric variant is also currently in development to provide extended range.
Who is manufacturing the landing gear for the Valo?
Hyundai WIA, a subsidiary of Hyundai Corporation, has been selected as the exclusive partner to design and manufacture the landing gear. They are supported by UK-based engineering firm Stirling Dynamics.
What is a Critical Design Review (CDR)?
A Critical Design Review is a multi-disciplined technical review to ensure that a system can proceed into fabrication, demonstration, and test, establishing the certifiable design baseline for the aircraft.
Photo Credit: Vertical Aerospace