Sustainability Column - Vertical Aerospace

At the end of last year, members of the RIAT team were invited to attend the launch of a new sustainable aircraft, Valo.  

Created by Vertical Aerospace, which are based in both Bristol and test flight at Cotswold Airport, the eVTOL is the first all-British new aircraft for over 40 years and the ambitious aviation outfit are aiming for it to be soaring above city centres by 2028. The unveiling of Valo was highly anticipated, marking a major step forward in electric aviation after years of innovation and rigorous testing by world-class engineers. 

Capable of travelling 100miles at 150mph, the electric aircraft seeks to change urban transport by providing a convenient and congestion free way of navigating heavily populated areas.  

This year Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 aircraft completed a landmark moment in its development when it travelled from Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford to participate in this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo.  

During the summer event the aircraft participated in the static display where visitors flocked to have a look at the future of aviation. They were also visited by well-known British astronaut Tim Peake who spoke to Chief Test Pilot, Simon Davies.  

Their new aircraft, Valo, has been built following feedback from airline and operator customers plus insights from the piloted test programme. Boasting room for six passengers and their luggage.  

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 

In addition to the unveiling of the aircraft at Canary Wharf, last month Vertical Aerospace also revealed plans to launch the UK’s first electric air taxi route with Skyports Infrastructure and Bristow.  

The network proposes to provide transport links between Canary Wharf, Heathrow and Gatwick airport plus Oxford and Cambridge.