11 December 2025
Bristol-based Vertical Aerospace has announced the production version of its VX4 electrical Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. It’s called Valo. Vertical is aiming for certification in 2028.
Valo introduces a more aerodynamic airframe, an under-floor battery system, redesigned wing and propeller architecture, upgraded materials, and full certifiable redundancy to meet the world’s most rigorous safety standards.
Designed to fly up to 100 miles at speeds of up to 150mph with zero operating emissions, Valo is targeting airliner-level safety certification in 2028 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers. Early commercial routes are expected to include airport-to-city centre connections.
Vertical says the passenger cabin will launch with four seats, offering panoramic windows, generous personal space, and a cockpit divider for enhanced safety and privacy.
However, the aircraft’s flexible design enables expansion to six seats, with the potential to improve operator economics and lower fares for passengers.
According to Vertical, Valo features the largest cargo hold within its class, developed in response to airline feedback. There’s room for six cabin bags and six checked bags.
Valo’s platform also supports emergency medical services, cargo missions and, in the future, defence, hybrid and autonomous variants.
Vertical will now build seven certification aircraft in the UK to support final testing with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ahead of targeted Type Certification in 2028.
Stuart Simpson, CEO, Vertical Aerospace, said, “With the launch of Valo, Vertical moves from prototype developer to aerospace manufacturer.
“Valo is the aircraft that turns electric flight into a commercial reality – clean, quiet, fast and engineered for everyday service. It marks a new dawn in transport, one that will connect people in minutes, not hours.”
Vertical is expected to create over 2,000 high-skilled UK jobs and contribute £3 billion annually to the economy by 2035.
Range & Speed: Up to 100 miles at up to 150 mph, with zero operating emissions and quiet performance (<50 dBA in cruise).
Battery power: Eight liquid-cooled under-floor battery packs; ~12-minute short-mission recharge; architecture designed to accommodate future battery advances.
Safety: Designed to meet airliner-level safety standards (UK/EU 10-.; CAA/EASA, SC-VTOL Category Enhanced), enabling truly global portability.
Redundancy: Eight electric motors (EPUs), each powered by multiple electrically isolated power lanes to ensure maximum safety.
Cabin & Payload: Largest cabin in its class; seating for up to six passengers plus observer seat; 550 kg / 1,200 lbs total payload at entry into service; space for six cabin bags and six checked bags; cockpit divider for safety and privacy.
Missions: Supports EMS, cargo, and future defence, hybrid and autonomous variants.
