Vertical Aerospace is set to launch its United States tour in New York City by showcasing its commercial electric aircraft, Valo, and detailing future flight routes in collaboration with Bristow Group and Skyports Infrastructure.
The aircraft is designed to fly up to 100 miles at speeds of 150 mph with zero operating emissions. Engineered to meet airliner-level safety standards, Valo features a premium cabin that will initially launch with four seats and large panoramic windows. The design is flexible, allowing for an expansion to six seats to improve operator economics and lower passenger fares. Vertical is currently targeting aircraft certification in 2028, which will facilitate entry into service with global customers such as American Airlines.
Operational plans for the New York region focus on reducing congestion by utilizing existing heliport networks. Proposed use cases include rapid airport transfers between the Downtown Skyport and John F. Kennedy International Airport, as well as game-day travel to MetLife Stadium. Other potential applications include medical transfers between facilities like Westchester County Medical Center and NYU Langone, aerial sightseeing, and weekend travel to East Hampton. These routes are being developed using Bristow’s global operating experience and Skyports’ existing infrastructure in Manhattan.
The U.S. tour follows the aircraft’s initial unveiling in London in December 2025. The collaboration between the three companies mirrors similar work in the United Kingdom, where routes have been planned from Canary Wharf to Heathrow Airport. By integrating electric aviation into existing urban infrastructure, the partners aim to provide a quieter and more sustainable alternative to traditional helicopter transport.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said, “The US Valo tour builds on the momentum from our London unveiling and a year of strong execution across testing, partnerships and certification. New York is a natural next step to explore how electric aviation could support urban and regional travel in the US, working with partners like Bristow and Skyports to keep safety, certification and real-world operations at the core.”
Chris Bradshaw, President and CEO of Bristow Group, added, “Bristow operates complex aviation services all over the world, from offshore energy to government and passenger transport. Exploring future eVTOL use cases in a market like New York allows us to apply that operational experience to new, sustainable aviation concepts as the technology and regulatory environment continue to mature.”
Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports Infrastructure, said, “Skyports creates and operates the essential infrastructure that will support the integration of new eVTOL aircraft into existing cities and transport networks. Evaluating potential use cases around Downtown Skyport helps demonstrate how our infrastructure could support a wide range of journeys – from airports and events to leisure and urban connections – as electric aviation develops.”
The Valo aircraft will be on public display at the Classic Car Club Manhattan at Pier 76 on January 23, 2026. This event provides the first opportunity for U.S. investors and the public to view the full-scale model as the company progresses toward its 2028 service goals.
