Showing posts with label Vertical Aerospace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vertical Aerospace. Show all posts

23 May, 2023

Vertical Aerospace expands presence in Asia-Pacific

Kakao Mobility pre-orders up to 50 VX4 aircraft, adding South Korea to Vertical’s customer launch list market

Kakao Mobility has over 30 million registered users for its existing Mobility-as-a-Service ride-hailing and will bring this expertise to create a seamless air-to-ground passenger journey

Builds on Vertical’s existing consortium partnership for the Korean government-backed K-UAM Grand Challenge





Vertical Aerospace a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering zero-emissions aviation, today announces that South Korean mobility technology company, Kakao Mobility, has pre-ordered up to 50 of Vertical’s VX4 aircraft, adding South Korea to Vertical’s list of customer launch markets.

Kakao Mobility, the largest Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform in South Korea with more than 30 million registered users, is the mobility subsidiary of South Korean internet giant, Kakao Corporation. Kakao Mobility runs the country’s most popular taxi-hailing app, Kakao T, providing taxi-hailing, designated driver booking, parking space search, and Kakao Navi app providing real-time traffic information services.

Vertical and Kakao Mobility will establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) to drive the commercialisation of AAM services in South Korea, including the exploration of network and fleet planning, infrastructure requirements, regulatory development, and consumer awareness of eVTOL mobility solutions.

South Korea is one of the largest economies in the world and is home to globally leading technology companies. Seoul, as well as other regions including Busan, is expected to have a significant Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market potential.

20 January, 2023

Vertical Aerospace Progresses Launch Plans in Japan

Vertical Aerospace Progresses Launch Plans in Japan



Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering zero-emissions aviation, today announces that it has secured a pre-delivery payment for the reservation of aircraft delivery slots from its existing customer, the leading Japanese trading and investment conglomerate, Marubeni Corporation [Marubeni].


Following the joint working group partnership with Vertical, Marubeni has reserved aircraft delivery slots for 25 out of its up to 200 VX4 conditional pre-orders and becomes Vertical’s first customer in Asia to make a pre-delivery payment.

Marubeni’s commitment further reinforces Japan’s potential as a key launch market for Advanced Air Mobility [AAM] and over recent months, Marubeni has also conducted proof-of-concept (POC) demonstration trials in preparation for the Osaka World Expo 2025. Marubeni conducted flights from Osaka heliport to Wakayama using existing helicopters at future expected AAM service prices. Throughout the trials, Marubeni began addressing public awareness, acceptance, and requirements for future eVTOL services in the prefecture.

Vertical and Marubeni previously announced a partnership in September 2021 for conditional pre-order options of up to 200 aircraft, and joint evaluation of the requirements for eVTOL aircraft operations in Japan, as well as commercial considerations such as route and network planning and infrastructure requirements.

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Vertical Founder and CEO, said “We are delighted to have reached the next milestone in our partnership with Marubeni. Japan is a wonderful country which is embracing the promise of eVTOL, as it will connect cities and regions like never before. We look forward to our joint efforts to build the ecosystem for zero-emissions travel in Japan.”

Satoshi Takechi, General Manager, Aviation, Space & Defense Dept. said “We are proud to have taken another major step with Vertical Aerospace to introduce VX4 in Japan. I am confident that our continued joint efforts with Vertical Aerospace, such as evaluating the requirements for eVTOL operations and engaging the potential partners under the Joint Working Group, together with this new agreement, will accelerate the development of the AAM market in Japan. Marubeni will further enhance activities to materialize our business, which aims to make air travel more accessible and convenient, while simultaneously contributing to climate change mitigation measures, including low-carbon and decarbonization initiatives.”




27 September, 2022

Major step forward in electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft by Vertical Aerospace



A Vertical test pilot walking towards the VX4 prototype.     Photo: Business Wire
Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering zero-emissions aviation, saw its VX4 eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft take off from the ground for the very first time over the weekend.  It becomes the first British company to start flight tests with a new aircraft in over 20 years, with its full-scale, piloted prototype.


Vertical Aerospace has celebrated “wheels up” for the first time as its electric VX4 prototype conducted its very first airborne test.

 

Vertical becomes the first British aerospace company to manufacture a new aircraft in over 20 years*


 

The moment marked a significant milestone as Vertical continues to progress successfully through its intensive flight test programme. The programme is expected to continue for several months, completing different stages which will involve reaching higher altitudes and speeds and demonstrating the transition from vertical to horizontal forward flight.


Engineers and flight technicians watched on as Chief Test Pilot, Justin Paines, took to the controls for the aircraft’s maiden take-off which saw the eight sets of aerodynamic propellers lift the aircraft from the ground at hover-thrust, while tethered to the ground for safety.

Vertical Aerospace Chief Test Pilot, Justin Paines said: “This test represented the culmination of many months preparation by a huge team and being at the controls of the VX4 for the first time was an honour and a proud moment for us all.”

The new phase in its intensive test programme saw the piloted aircraft lifted from the ground under tethered conditions

  

It is hoped the VX4 will be certified in 2025

  

The test took place following the company receiving its ‘Permit to Fly’ from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

The company, unlike many of its competitors, decided to conduct its first flight tests with a pilot on board to prove it could meet the most stringent safety standards. To do this, Vertical Aerospace received regulatory approval in the form of a ‘Permit to Fly’ from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), after demonstrating the test could be conducted safely.

26 September, 2022

Vertical Aerospace becomes the first British company in 20 years to lift off with a new aircraft

A Vertical test pilot walking towards the VX4 prototype.     Photo: Business Wire
Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering zero-emissions aviation, saw its VX4 eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft take off from the ground for the very first time over the weekend.  It becomes the first British company to start flight tests with a new aircraft in over 20 years, with its full-scale, piloted prototype.


Vertical Aerospace has celebrated “wheels up” for the first time as its electric VX4 prototype conducted its very first airborne test.

 

Vertical becomes the first British aerospace company to manufacture a new aircraft in over 20 years*


 

The moment marked a significant milestone as Vertical continues to progress successfully through its intensive flight test programme. The programme is expected to continue for several months, completing different stages which will involve reaching higher altitudes and speeds and demonstrating the transition from vertical to horizontal forward flight.


Engineers and flight technicians watched on as Chief Test Pilot, Justin Paines, took to the controls for the aircraft’s maiden take-off which saw the eight sets of aerodynamic propellers lift the aircraft from the ground at hover-thrust, while tethered to the ground for safety.

Vertical Aerospace Chief Test Pilot, Justin Paines said: “This test represented the culmination of many months preparation by a huge team and being at the controls of the VX4 for the first time was an honour and a proud moment for us all.”

The new phase in its intensive test programme saw the piloted aircraft lifted from the ground under tethered conditions

  

It is hoped the VX4 will be certified in 2025

  

The test took place following the company receiving its ‘Permit to Fly’ from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

The company, unlike many of its competitors, decided to conduct its first flight tests with a pilot on board to prove it could meet the most stringent safety standards. To do this, Vertical Aerospace received regulatory approval in the form of a ‘Permit to Fly’ from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), after demonstrating the test could be conducted safely.

10 August, 2022

Vertical Aerospace Announces First Half-Year 2022 Results



Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering zero-emission aviation, announces its financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The Company has also issued a shareholder letter discussing its operating results and management commentary, which is posted to its investor relations website at investor.vertical-aerospace.com.

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Vertical Founder and CEO, said: “I am delighted to share that we have reached a critical engineering milestone by completing the build of our full-scale VX4 prototype, and we have now begun putting it through its paces for an intensive, multi-month flight test programme. I am grateful for the efforts of our amazing team, and for our outstanding partners that have got us to this point as we continue to leverage their deep sector expertise to build, fly and industrialise our aircraft to revolutionise the way we travel.

In the last quarter, we have expanded our pre-order book to more than 1,400 and announced new VX4 applications in emergency medical services, cargo and business aviation, with Babcock and FLYINGGROUP. We have also secured an industry first with American Airlines' commitment to place a pre-delivery payment for the delivery slots of their first 50 VX4s, out of a possible 350. The outlook for eVTOLs and Vertical has never looked better, and we look forward to providing our shareholders with more news on our piloted flight."

08 August, 2022

Vertical Aerospace issues its financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2022.

In July Vertical Aerospace’s all-electric flying  demonstrator, the VX4, assembled and delivered  from GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology  Centre in Bristol
Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering zero-emission aviation, announces its financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2022.

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Vertical Founder and CEO, said: “I am delighted to share that we have reached a critical engineering milestone by completing the build of our full-scale VX4 prototype, and we have now begun putting it through its paces for an intensive, multi-month flight test programme. I am grateful for the efforts of our amazing team, and for our outstanding partners that have got us to this point as we continue to leverage their deep sector expertise to build, fly and industrialise our aircraft to revolutionise the way we travel.

In the last quarter, we have expanded our pre-order book to more than 1,400 and announced new VX4 applications in emergency medical services, cargo and business aviation, with Babcock and FLYINGGROUP. We have also secured an industry first with American Airlines' commitment to place a pre-delivery payment for the delivery slots of their first 50 VX4s, out of a possible 350. The outlook for eVTOLs and Vertical has never looked better, and we look forward to providing our shareholders with more news on our piloted flight."

The piloted zero operating emissions four-passenger VX4, is projected to be capable of travelling distances over 100 miles, achieving top speeds of over 200mph, while producing minimal noise and has a low cost per passenger mile. The VX4 is expected to open up advanced air mobility to a whole new range of passengers and transform how we travel.

UK Government awards £9.5m to British  consortium to build world first advanced  electric flight ecosystem


First Half-Year 2022 and Recent Operational Highlights


Completed the build of the full-scale VX4 Prototype. The VX4 Prototype, as part of its intensive flight test programme, has conducted a series of ground tests and is expected to begin flying over the summer.
Enhanced Vertical’s collaborative industrial partnership ecosystem by entering into a strategic partnership with Molicel, a leading manufacturer of lithium-Ion cells, for the supply of high-power, low-impedance, cylindrical battery cells for the VX4 battery pack.
Strengthened Vertical’s leadership team by welcoming Mike Flewitt, former Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Automotive Ltd and VP Manufacturing of Ford Europe, to the Board of Directors as an independent non-executive director.
Secured 50 new pre-orders for the VX4 from business aviation operator FLYINGGROUP; announced a new partnership with Babcock for emergency medical services and logistics application of the VX4, and received a commitment from American Airlines to make a pre-delivery payment to secure delivery slots for the first 50 VX4s of their conditional pre-order of up to 250 aircraft, with an option to purchase an additional 100 aircraft.
Secured concurrent validation of the VX4 between European Union Aviation Safety Agency (“EASA”) and the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority ("CAA") on the same SC-VTOL certification basis.

First Half-Year 2022 and Recent Financial Highlights

09 July, 2022

Vertical Aerospace and Molicel Partner to Power the VX4



Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering zero-emissions aviation, today announces a strategic partnership with E-One Moli Energy Corp (Molicel), a leading manufacturer of lithium-ion cells, to supply high power cylindrical cells for Vertical’s VX4 eVTOL aircraft.

With today’s announcement, Vertical has now secured the supply of market-leading battery cells to develop the VX4 through to certification and entry into service, working with Molicel to increase supply as the VX4 is brought into mass production. Vertical reviewed the capabilities of dozens of cell manufacturers before selecting Molicel as its battery partner as it believes Molicel is uniquely placed to meet the performance and safety requirements of the VX4 and to continue to deliver innovation and improved performance over time.

With more than 40 years’ experience in energy research and development, Molicel has established itself as one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-power battery cells. Specialising in high power, low impedance and fast charge, Molicel deliberately focuses on demanding, high-performance applications of its batteries, with its technology already in use across space, advanced automotive and power tool applications. Partners include NASA and William’s Advanced Engineering.

04 June, 2022

Major new partnership formed to ramp up the introduction of EVTOL operations in Brazil


A major new partnership of global leaders in aviation and airports announces its intention to explore the infrastructure requirements to bring eVTOL passenger flights to Brazil within this decade. The partnership includes:

 

More on Air101.co.uk

Avolon, the world’s second largest aircraft leasing company;

Corporación América Airports, the largest global private sector airport operator by number of airports;

GOL, Brazil’s largest airline;

Grupo Comporte, a leading Brazilian transport operator; and

Vertical Aerospace, the aerospace and technology company developing and manufacturing eVTOL aircraft.


The partnership will explore and define vertiport design and locations, as well as further infrastructure requirements for eVTOL operations in Brazil. With its well-developed Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market based on helicopter services, advanced aviation ecosystem and unique demographics, Brazil is set to become one of the pioneering markets for eVTOL services, including for Vertical’s VX4.

 

Each partner brings sector-specific and complementary expertise to bring eVTOL operations into operation in Brazil this decade. In particular, the partnership will benefit from Corporación América Airports’ special team dedicated to the research and development of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) segment and its two-decade-long expertise in airports design, construction and operation, as well as passenger traffic management. Corporación América Airports has already developed its own conceptual vertiport design and progressed AAM traffic analysis across several countries.

 

With some of the most congested cities in the world, the introduction of eVTOLs, such as the VX4, will transform how people move around and above the urban landscape, in Brazil. The VX4 will permit short-haul zero-emissions journeys that will revolutionise city air travel for Brazilians’ everyday lives by changing how we connect, commute and travel more efficiently, all in a more sustainable way.

More on Air101.co.uk

 

This partnership builds on GOL’s and Grupo Comporte’s commitment to purchase or lease up to 250 of Vertical’s VX4 eVTOL aircraft from Avolon, announced last year. That commitment saw Avolon launch and lead a Working Group aiming at commercialising eVTOL aircraft in Brazil with Vertical Aerospace, Grupo Comporte and GOL. The Working Group has already conducted project familiarisation workshops with the Brazilian civil aviation authority Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) to permit the swift validation of the piloted, zero operating emissions and four-passenger VX4 aircraft. The VX4 is projected to have speeds of up to 200 mph, a range of over 100 miles, be near silent when in flight and offer a low cost per passenger mile. 

 

Dómhnal Slattery, CEO of Avolon commented: “The scale of our ambition for eVTOLs is reflected in our partnerships with some of the leading transportation and airport operators in Latin America. We are partnered with companies that share our ambition to materially reshape the commercial aviation market. Our objective is to deliver the infrastructure requirements to bring zero-emissions travel to Brazil mid this decade and revolutionise air travel in the region.”

 

Martin Eurnekian, CEO of Corporación América Airports, commented: “A new mobility ecosystem is arising and Corporación América Airports as a world leader in airport operations wants to be an agent of change in supporting the AAM implementation in those regions where we operate. With our expertise as airport operators in six countries in three continents along more than 20 years, we are committed to contributing with the development of the AAM ecosystem, in order to better connect people, goods and cultures and promoting a leaner, faster and more sustainable air transport.”

 

Paulo Kakinoff, CEO of GOL commented: "GOL completely bets on the expertise of CAAP in Advanced Aerial Mobility. Within reach, we have at hand a unique opportunity to unite the efforts of all parties involved to create a sustainable and safe operating ecosystem for eVTOL, with zero carbon emissions, both in Brazil and beyond. Constantly expanding in the regional segment, GOL is committed to including new and providential connectivity alternatives with this new air modal, based on its already extensive air network."

 
More on Air101.co.uk.......

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder and CEO of Vertical commented: “I’m delighted that Vertical is partnering with Avolon, GOL, Grupo Comporte and CAAP to deliver critical eVTOL infrastructure in Brazil. It was in Brazil that I had the inspiration to begin Vertical Aerospace so it is incredible to see it becoming a reality there”.

 




Want me in your inbox? Follow here for email updates Air101 here.



19 February, 2022

AirAsia Orders Vertical Aerospace’s Electric Aircraft From Avolon

Vertical Aerospace welcomed Avolon’s announcement this week that it will partner with AirAsia Aviation Group Ltd (AirAsia), Asia’s leading low-cost airline, to create a transformational ride-sharing platform in Southeast Asia, including a non-binding memorandum of understanding to lease a minimum of 100 VX4s, Vertical’s flagship electric aircraft.

As announced in June 2021, Avolon, the world’s second-largest aircraft lessor, pre-ordered 500 VX4s from Vertical to place with its global airline customers. This endorsement of the VX4 by AirAsia represents the aircraft’s first expansion into Southeast Asia.


With today’s announcement, Avolon has now placed 450 of its VX4 pre-orders to AirAsia, Japan’s JAL and Brazil’s Gol. Together, these airlines form a growing global community of transport operators that have ordered the VX4.

Vertical has directly agreed pre-orders or pre-order options with the likes of American Airlines, Avolon, Virgin Atlantic, Iberojet, Bristow Group and Marubeni resulting in a market-leading pre-order book by value totalling up to 1350 aircraft with a value of $5.4 bn.

The VX4 is a piloted four-passenger, zero operating emissions electric aircraft that is projected to fly at speeds of up to 200mph, over a 100-mile range. The VX4 is expected to be near-silent when in flight, and with a low cost per passenger mile, it will be an affordable option for passengers with a cost at a slight premium to a taxi.

AirAsia’s leasing arrangement through Avolon is the first placement or pre-order since Vertical was listed on the NYSE in December 2021.

AirAsia leases a minimum of 100 of Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 from Avolon
AirAsia joins Japan’s JAL and Brazil’s Gol in agreeing leases for the VX4 with Avolon


For more details see Avolon and AirAsia’s release on Avolon’s website here.

Stephen Fitzpatrick, CEO Vertical Aerospace, said "We are delighted that AirAsia is the latest leading airline committing to lease our zero operating emissions VX4 aircraft. AirAsia provides many fantastic opportunities to travel around some of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world, and I am thrilled that we will be bringing zero emissions flight to people all across Asia."

Dómhnal Slattery, Avolon CEO, said “Tony Fernandes is an aviation pioneer who has built AirAsia into one of the leading airlines in the world and has now also created Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing Super App anchored on travel. We are delighted to partner with AirAsia who share our vision of revolutionising the future of air travel. We look forward to working with Tony, and the AirAsia team, on their eVTOL journey. Together we will develop a ride-sharing platform and bring the zero-emissions VX4 aircraft into service, positioning AirAsia as the operator of choice for sustainable air travel in the region.”

Tony Fernandes, CEO, Capital A, commented: “Innovation has always been in our DNA and using technology to look at more efficient and sustainable ways of doing things is a core focus across Capital A (formerly AirAsia Group). We are now much more than just an airline with over 20 products and services on our super app leveraging off each other including flights, hotels, food, retail, delivery, ride-hailing and more. I am truly excited about this partnership between Avolon and AirAsia and the potential for zero-emissions ultra-short-haul air travel in Southeast Asia. The digital era is now. In the VX4, we have identified what we believe will be the eVTOL aircraft of choice and we are thrilled to be the launch airline for the aircraft in Southeast Asia. We are also delighted to extend our long-standing relationship with Avolon, which has a proven track record of delivering for its customers and is in sync with our goal to become the leading one-stop travel and delivery platform in Asean.”





More top stories you might be interested in.....


Follow this site here.



25 October, 2021

Vertical & Heathrow to collaborate on future of urban air mobility

Vertical Aerospace has announced a collaboration with London Heathrow Airport to explore how Vertical's VA-X4 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle could operate from the busy London airport from the mid-2020s. Both parties will work closely to explore how this new technology can fit into existing operations at the airport, build an understanding of the regulatory changes that would be required, maximise potential job opportunities and minimise any potential impacts on communities surrounding the airport.

With speeds of up to 200 mph, Vertical's piloted eVTOL will be able to transport four passengers in near silence from Heathrow to the City of London in 12 minutes, with zero operating emissions and at a cost similar to a taxi. This new agreement comes as interest in the future of urban air mobility is growing, with major airlines already operating at Heathrow keen to see the technology develop. Virgin Atlantic has already announced a partnership for the UK launch of an eVTOL network with Vertical and conditional pre-order options for up to 150 VA-X4s.

By working together, Vertical and Heathrow expect to help Britain maintain its leading position in sustainable aviation technologies and support moves to a low carbon economy to help meet the Government's net-zero ambitions to make the UK net-zero by 2050.



Vertical's top-tier global customers include American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Avolon, Bristow Group, Iberojet and Marubeni Corporation. Through these relationships, Vertical believes that it has the largest conditional pre-order book in the eVTOL industry, of up to 1,350 aircraft worth $5.4bn. Vertical's eVTOL aims to be an industry leader in safety, being on track to be certified to the highest global standards and matching the safety performance of airline passenger jets.

Search