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

18 September, 2024

Losses reduce at Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace,  a global aerospace and technology company working towards zero-emission aviation, has just announced its financial results for the first half of the year ended June 30, 2024. 

Vertical maintained its industry-leading capital efficiency with an operating loss of £20 million. The company also got a boost in the first half of the year, when it was awarded an £8 million grant from the UK Government as part of its Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI).

Stuart Simpson, CEO at Vertical, said:  “During the past few months we have delivered our most advanced full-scale VX4 prototype, have gone from first powered ground test to 'wheels up’ in just one week and completed the first phase of our piloted test flight programme. Every day I continue to be deeply impressed by the phenomenal engineers we have and the progress we are making here in Bristol as we build a new generation of aviation. This could not be a more exciting time to follow Vertical as we accelerate through our piloted flight tests and work closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority, our home regulator, on the path to certification.”

13 September, 2024

Vertical’s new VX4 prototype completes Phase 1 of piloted testing

Phase 1 included tethered flights, ground taxi testing and high-powered ground runs, all with a pilot on board. 

Vertical is now preparing to progress to piloted untethered thrustborne testing, as soon as it receives permission from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). 

The VX4 went from its first powered ground test to ‘wheels up’ in just one week – three times faster than the previous prototype.



 Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company pioneering zero-emissions aviation, has achieved another significant milestone. Its latest VX4 has completed the first phase of its piloted flight test programme at the Vertical Flight Test Centre. 

During Phase 1, the VX4 prototype conducted multiple piloted tethered flights and ground runs, across 20 piloted test sorties, completing a total of 70 individual test points. Together, these tests simulated various aspects of flight and operational situations needed to validate the prototype’s safety in real-world flight scenarios, including those outside of its expected operating conditions. By intentionally testing the aircraft’s ability to handle failures, Vertical demonstrated the underlying safety of its design.

One of the most important tests successfully carried out included simulating the failure of one Electric Propulsion Unit (EPU) – inoperative testing – while in piloted tethered flight, to ensure the aircraft responds correctly and continues to be safe while in flight conditions. 

These tests have enabled Vertical engineers to collect and measure 35,000 flight and system parameters and verify that all systems are operating correctly and safely in different conditions ahead of further expanding the flight test envelope to piloted thrustborne flight. 

 Alongside Phase 1 testing, Vertical’s engineers also completed more advanced low and high-speed taxi tests, including deliberately failing EPUs at high taxi speeds to confirm controllability and safety. This verified ground handling characteristics throughout the taxi envelope, as well as aerodynamic characteristics for increasing speed, while in a safe, ground test environment. 

Vertical is continuing to work closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on expanding its Permit to Fly as it prepares for Phase 2 of testing which will see the VX4 prototype undergo piloted thrustborne flight tests. 

Vertical is currently developing an identical full-scale prototype which will accelerate the VX4’s flight test programme and demonstration capability. The company will take flight test learnings from both prototypes into the design and development of the certified VX4 model. 

CEO of Vertical Aerospace, Stuart Simpson, said: “It took us just one week to go from our first ground test to our chief test pilot flying the VX4, and we have been making outstanding progress since then. We continue to prove the safety and performance of our design and technology, which we believe to be market-leading. Completing this first phase of testing is a significant feat for any eVTOL company and shows the strength of our aircraft, team, and our partners as we progress through our flight test programme and head towards our goal of creating a better way to travel.” 

29 July, 2024

New VX4 prototype completes first tethered piloted flight

Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company pioneering zero-emissions aviation, has seen its latest VX4 prototype perform its first tethered piloted flight as it begins the “wheels up” phase of testing.

This VX4 performed a piloted flight while loosely tethered to the ground, during which Vertical measured over 20,000 flight and system parameters to verify thrust, handling qualities and system performance.

The tethered piloted flight took place after the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had issued Vertical with a Permit to Fly for its VX4 prototype, having rigorously evaluated the engineering, design, test data and aircraft, effectively conducting a “mini certification” programme of the aircraft.

Vertical must submit documentation to the CAA to move through each flight phase, including extensive, detailed documentation covering every aspect from safety protocols and engineering specifications to operational procedures.

18 July, 2024

Vertical Aerospace shows off most advanced and powerful full-scale VX4 prototype ahead of flight test programme

Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering zero emissions aviation, today unveiled its next-generation full-scale VX4 prototype, the only electric take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOL) designed, built and assembled in the UK.



This next-generation VX4 is more powerful than the previous full-scale prototype, with an impressive 20% increase in the power-to-weight ratio, enabling the aircraft to reach speeds of up to 150mph – the certification aircraft’s intended cruise speed.

The aircraft has been designed and built alongside global aerospace partners, including GKN Aerospace, Honeywell, Hanwha, Molicel, Leonardo and Syensqo. It features Vertical’s next generation propellers and new proprietary battery technology, designed and manufactured at its multi-million pound state-of-the-art Vertical Energy Centre near Bristol, the UK’s most advanced aerospace battery facility.

The new VX4 prototype has successfully completed systems and aircraft testing and commissioning. Vertical is now working closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as it rigorously evaluates the engineering, design, test data and aircraft ahead of issuing a Permit to Fly, effectively conducting a “mini certification” programme. Vertical will then begin a robust flight test programme at the Vertical Flight Test Centre, with a focus on achieving piloted flight.

Vertical is currently developing an identical full-scale prototype which will accelerate the VX4’s flight test programme and demonstration capability. The company will take flight test learnings from both prototypes into the design and development of the certified VX4 model.

Key new features of the latest full-scale VX4 prototype:

Aerospace partner technology and certification expertise – 60% of the technology and components included on the latest aircraft are from world leading aerospace partners, up from 10% on the previous prototype. This makes it Vertical’s most advanced prototype yet and a step closer to the aircraft that the company will take through to certification.
First use of battery designed and built for aviation – This battery and powertrain system, developed at the Vertical Energy Centre, is the most powerful and lightest yet, has rapid charge time and multiple backup power sources. The VX4’s batteries are designed to meet the performance, safety, operational and commercial requirements of eVTOL and it is the first time its own proprietary batteries have been used on a full-scale prototype. The electronics, software and design of the battery have all been developed in house and the new aircraft includes new, more powerful Electronic Propulsion Units.
Next generation propellers – Vertical’s new proprietary propellers designed specifically for eVTOLs are optimised for low noise and made of carbon fibre composite using a single-shot cure process to maximise integrity. The aerodynamic shape has been specifically designed to maximise performance across both hover and cruise by deconflicting the requirements of each phase of flight.
Stuart Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, Vertical, commented:  “Our goal is to build the safest and most advanced aircraft in this new category of transport. With the new full-scale VX4 prototype, which has been built by combining our own world-leading technology with that from leading aerospace partners, we are well on the way to achieving that goal.

19 March, 2024

Future of Flight action plan.......... the age of the flying taxi is getting ever closer

Drone technology could transform our skies and boost the UK economy by £45 billion by the end of the decade.


Image Vertical Aerospace
Flying taxis, crime-fighting drones and critical 999 care deliveries could all be a reality by 2030 thanks to the government and industry’s joint Future of Flight action plan, announced by the Department for Transport (DfT) this week.  

Setting out a roadmap for drones and novel electric aircraft in the UK, the plan details how technology once confined to the realm of sci-fi could transform our skies, with studies estimating drone technology could boost the UK economy by £45 billion by the end of the decade.

It details plans for the first piloted flying taxi flight by 2026 and regular services by 2028, regular drone deliveries across our skies by 2027 and demos of autonomous flying taxis without pilots on board by 2030 – transforming how people and goods are transported.

Aviation and Technology Minister, Anthony Browne, said:  "Cutting-edge battery technology will revolutionise transport as we know it – this plan will make sure we have the infrastructure and regulation in place to make it a reality. 

From flying taxis to emergency service drones, we’re making sure the UK is at the forefront of this dramatic shift in transportation – improving people’s lives and boosting the economy."

The plan was unveiled on the same day the minister is due to visit Vertical Aerospace in Bristol – one of the UK companies making flying taxis and at the cutting edge of innovation in aviation.

These greener, quieter flying taxis are already undergoing the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) authorisation process and have been made possible thanks to rapid advances in battery technology, meaning they are light enough to stay in the air and powerful enough to cover the distances needed.

Some of the other actions set out in the plan include:  

allowing drones to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) so that the sector can grow without limiting the skies for other aircraft
breathing life into smaller aerodromes by setting out how they can operate as vertiports for electric aircraft that take off vertically (sometimes known as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft)
developing standards to improve security for drones to boost public safety
engaging communities and local authorities so that they can enjoy the economic and social benefits of these technologies
First imagined in the Flightpath to the Future in 2022, this joint plan between industry and government sets out the strategic direction of the sector over the next 5 years, striking a balance between innovation, security, safety and cutting emissions.

The benefits of this new technology are already being seen in the UK. West Midlands Police uses drones to tackle violent crime and antisocial behaviour. In July 2023, a drone team was deployed, successfully identifying 2 offenders and another suspect at a speed and distance that would have taken ground officers hours to track down.

Drones are also helping frontline NHS staff save lives. For 6 months between October 2022 and March 2023, the UK drone service provider Skyfarer partnered with University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust and Medical Logistics UK to test drones to deliver surgical implants and pathology samples between sites. In one case, drones reliably helped cut delivery times of surgical implants between Coventry and Rugby hospitals from up to an hour to just 18 minutes – a 70% decrease.

The Future of Flight action plan contains measures to make drone applications and assessments easier by creating new and simple digital platforms that operators can use – ensuring companies and public services are no longer shackled by red tape and get drones up and flying quicker.

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:

 

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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.

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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."

 
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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”.

 




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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.”





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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.

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