Vertical Aerospace has reached significant piloted flight milestones and is expanding its manufacturing footprint as it moves toward the certification of its commercial eVTOL aircraft, Valo.
Following 20 months of piloted flight tests, the company began transition testing in November 2025 under the oversight of the UK Civil Aviation Authority. This phase focuses on the movement between vertical lift and wingborne flight. Recent testing has included the completion of a wingborne tilt profile featuring controlled rear propeller deployment. To support these efforts, a third identical full-scale prototype was completed in December to provide additional flight capacity for demonstration tests scheduled for later this year.
The company’s commercial aircraft, Valo, was launched in 2025 with a modular architecture designed for four to six passengers. It is being positioned for various applications, including emergency medical services, cargo, and defense. Following showcases in London, New York, Miami, and Atlanta, the company has reopened its order book. Recent orders from JetSetGo and Heli Air Monaco indicate growing interest in market development across India and the Côte d’Azur.
To support early production and recurring revenue streams, Vertical has launched a battery pilot production line at its Vertical Energy Centre. A new 30,000-square-foot facility, VEC2, is expected to open later this year to increase battery manufacturing capacity. Beyond initial aircraft sales, the company views battery packs as a long-term revenue opportunity, with plans to supply approximately 20 battery packs over the lifetime of each aircraft.
Expansion is also underway at Cotswold Airport. A letter of intent has been signed to bring the company’s total space at the site to approximately 130,000 square feet. This facility is expected to provide the capacity to produce more than 25 Valo aircraft annually.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said, “We’ve made strong progress across the business – achieving key piloted flight milestones, advancing transition testing and launching Valo to the market. The response from customers and partners has been very encouraging, with renewed order activity and growing confidence in our programme. We are now firmly focused on certification and scaling production.”
Financially, the company strengthened its balance sheet in 2025 by securing over $175 million in capital through public equity raises and an “at the market” facility. As of December 31, 2025, the company held approximately $93 million in cash and cash equivalents. Looking ahead, net cash outflows for the next 12 months are projected at approximately $195 million, reflecting the increased investment required for flight testing, certification, and manufacturing scaling.
