LONDON & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 4, 2025--
Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) (“Vertical” or “the Company”), a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, today welcomed the publication of an independent economic impact report predicting the business is set to lead a major new industrial opportunity for the UK.
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The report by Frontier Economics concludes Vertical Aerospace has the potential to become one of the UK’s most significant advanced manufacturing businesses by 2035, leading the way in the rapidly growing advanced air mobility sector.
Even before the commercial launch of Vertical’s VX4 aircraft, Frontier found the business is generating high-value jobs, attracting foreign investment and strengthening supply chains across the South West and wider UK.
The report suggested there is much more to come over the next decade, with Vertical creating more than 2,000 jobs, generating nearly £9 billion in annual revenue and becoming a major global exporter, with approximately 90% of its income being generated from exports.
And the benefits to the UK could become greater still, with Frontier noting that Vertical’s planned investment of around £400 million into production sites would strengthen the country’s advanced manufacturing and skills base even further.
The search for Vertical’s first assembly and battery manufacturing sites is underway with a decision on their location expected in the next six months and the UK only one of a number of possible options.
Andrew Leicester, Executive Director at Frontier Economics said:
“Vertical Aerospace’s trajectory illustrates how an innovative business can act as a catalyst for economic growth, industrial capability and technological leadership. Vertical’s operations are well-aligned to help the government advance its Industrial Strategy and Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, and support its defence ambitions too through dual-use of aircraft for military and civilian purposes.”
“Our independent analysis found that Vertical is a critical anchor in the fast-growing eVTOL sector, and a significant contributor to the UK’s advanced manufacturing future, particularly in the West of England.”
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said:
“Frontier’s analysis confirms the UK is on the cusp of an exciting new industrial opportunity, with Vertical positioned to become a world-leading, multi-billion-pound advanced manufacturing business.”
“We have a significant few months ahead as we work to make this vision a reality – starting with our most advanced stage of testing yet and then making a final decision on the location of our production sites, whether that be in the UK or further afield. This report makes it clearer than ever what the opportunity is for Vertical and the UK – now is the time to deliver it.”
David Stepanek, Executive Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer at Bristow Group, said:
“Frontier’s report shows the enormous economic potential of Vertical Aerospace for the UK, and Bristow is proud to be part of that journey. With 75 years of vertical-lift expertise, we are ready to help bring electric air mobility to market and deliver turnkey operations using Vertical's VX4 aircraft for customers in the UK and worldwide.”
This independent assessment drew on company data, stakeholder interviews, procurement analysis and economic modelling, measuring Vertical’s impact today and its projected contribution through to 2035, covering direct, indirect and wider benefits.
It found Vertical is due to grow from 479 employees today to approximately 2,200 in 2035, bringing a raft of extra skilled roles to the UK.
By the end of this period, the analysis also suggested Vertical is expected to contribute almost £800 million a year in tax revenues as it transitions from R&D into commercial production.
The full research report can be found here.
About Vertical Aerospace
Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation. Vertical is creating a safer, cleaner, and quieter way to travel. Its VX4 is a piloted, four-passenger, Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with zero operating emissions. Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant, offering increased range and mission flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the advanced air mobility market.
Vertical combines partnerships with leading aerospace companies, including GKN, Honeywell, and Aciturri, with its own proprietary battery and propeller technology to develop the world’s most advanced and safest eVTOL.
Vertical has c.1,500 pre-orders of the VX4, with customers across four continents, including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL, and Bristow. Certain customer obligations are expected to be fulfilled via third-party agreements. Headquartered in Bristol, UK, Vertical’s experienced leadership team comes from top-tier aerospace and automotive companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GM, and Leonardo. Together, they have previously certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Any express or implied statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements and projections contained in the Frontier Economics report which was commissioned by Vertical and based on Vertical-supplied data, including management projections, assumptions, targets, expectations and estimates in which actual results may vary due to a number of risks and uncertainties relating to the business, industry performance, the regulatory environment, and general business and economic conditions; our future results of operations and financial position as well as our expected financial performance and operational performance, liquidity, growth and profitability strategies, the design and manufacture of the VX4, the features and capabilities of the VX4 and the hybrid-electric VX4 variant, the business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including certification and the commercialization of the VX4 and the hybrid-electric VX4 variant and the timing thereof; capital expenditure requirements, which may be higher than anticipated; our ability and plans to raise additional capital to fund our operations; the assumptions underlying the Company’s Flightpath 2030 goals; the differential strategy compared to our peer group; expectations surrounding pre-orders and commitments; our plans for capital expenditures, as well as statements that include the words “goals,” “targets,” “objectives,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “will,” “aim,” “potential,” “continue,” “are likely to” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, without limitation, the other important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 11, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than to the extent required by applicable law.
Vertical's VX4 prototype during piloted flight testing at its Flight Test Centre in the Cotswolds, UK
Ravens five-time Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry discusses Baltimore’s upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers for first place in the AFC North, how he’s sustained excellence for a decade in the NFL and being nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
Various NFL Players: Hey, this is Russell Wilson. This is Joe Montana. This is Dak Prescott. Hey, this is Jason Kelce. You’re listening to Rob Maaddi. Rob Maaddi, Rob Maaddi, Rob Maaddi.
MAADDI: Welcome to On Football. I’m Rob Maaddi. It’s Week 14. Playoff races are heating up in the NFL. Gotta give credit to the schedule makers. There are three division games this Sunday for first place: the Packers-Bears, Colts-Jaguars, Steelers-Ravens. And here’s the great thing. They’re all gonna face each other again later this season. Other great matchups, including the prime-time games, more about that in Pro Picks. Our guest this week is Ravens running back Derrick Henry. Stay tuned for a special conversation.
The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles are reeling, two straight losses to the Cowboys and Bears, and some of the people who wanted Nick Sirianni fired last year before he led the team to a Super Bowl championship. Well, they’re starting up again. Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo’s first season calling plays isn’t working out. The offense looks predictable, it lacks creativity. Jalen Hurts and the passing game have struggled. Saquon Barkley isn’t close to running like he was last year. Much of that has to do with the offensive line, but there really shouldn’t be any conversation about Sirianni getting fired. He’s one of the most successful coaches in NFL history. A .700 winning percentage, top five all time, made the playoffs his first four seasons, two Super Bowl appearances, one championship. The Eagles are still 8-4. They have a shot at the number one seed. He’s got to make changes to the offense, whether that’s calling plays himself or something else. But can we just stop firing a coach who’s done nothing but win? Now, as for the fans who threw eggs at Kevin Patullo’s house in Moorestown, New Jersey, you gotta get a life. Seriously. That should never happen.
Derrick Henry is one of the NFL’s all-time greatest running backs. He’ll be in Canton one day receiving a gold jacket. But right now, he’s trying to help Baltimore beat Pittsburgh this week. He’s also the Ravens' Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. You guys started one and five, and here you are, Week 14. You’re playing for first place in the AFC North. How were you guys able to kind of stay in that moment, stay in that belief and turn things around?
HENRY: We gotta sit together. We're the only ones that can turn it around by our approach and how we’re gonna work every day and let it translate from meetings to the field and to the game. We gotta stay locked in to a long season and you know adversity strikes us at some point during the season, just gotta overcome it and be better from it. I think that’s what we was focused on.
MAADDI: How much does having a a guy like Coach Harbaugh, who’s been through ups and downs, who’s been a champion, who knows what it takes, how much does he help you guys get through the tough times and the adversities?
HENRY: Of course, Harbaugh’s been here 10-plus years, been in the league a long time. So I mean he’s been through some similar things like this with some of the teams he’s had in the past. And, you know, he’s been a great head coach in the league for a long time. So he’s the leader of men. So you know, it just, we just gotta weather the storm and you know you need to make sure we stay locked in and keep focused on what we need to do week after week and each opponent and not get too far ahead of ourselves.
MAADDI: Derrick, you’re playing a team, it’s a rival, the Steelers. You’re, you guys are both fighting for that first spot in the AFC North. They gave up a lot of yards last week against the Bills on the ground, but it’s still the Steelers, still tough defense. How much are you able to kind of glean from that, from what you saw last week? Also knowing that they are a pretty great defense.
HENRY: It’s a week-to-week league. Some weeks gonna be better than others. The Bills had a great, great game plan that they executed and did a great job and sure they learned from that on film. You know, I’m not going to the game expecting anything. They’re a great defense, got a great coach and a great coaching staff that are probably having well prepared. The rivalry's always a fourth quarter battle, so you know, just looking forward to going into a game, physical game and doing my job the best way I can.
MAADDI: Derrick, you’re 10 years into your career, you’re having another excellent season. Your work ethic is legendary, your diet, everything. We’ve everybody’s talked about that. How have you been able to maintain your success for so long?
HENRY: I think it’s just focusing on hard work and wanting to to to be better, better myself in any way I can to be the best player I could be. That’s what pride myself on, just this hard work and just having discipline in my routine and keep doing those doing those things and being the best teammate I can be and and let my play speak for itself.
MAADDI: You’ve got an opportunity this year to move into the top ten in all-time rushing yards. I don’t know if you even know that. If you pay attention to these things, you certainly you’re going week to week and you’ve got a lot more on your mind. But have you thought about the career goals and the accomplishments and what you’ve been able to do and and what that means to you to be top ten?
HENRY: No, not right now. I’m just trying to stay present with what we need to do as a team and focus on this season and, you know, this game which with the Steelers this week and preparing the right way and doing everything that I can and that we can to to be ready for Sunday for a four-quarter battle. So but I think whenever I got time to, you know, reflect and I I’ll definitely do that. And it’s all it’s all been a blessing but just trying to stay in the moment straight present on what’s going on right now.
MAADDI: Derrick, you’ve won a a lot of individual awards. You’ve been an all-pro, five-time Pro Bowler, offensive player of the year to be nominated for what you’ve done off the field, not on the field, but the Walter Payton Man of the Year. It’s a tremendous honor. It really recognizes what you’re go doing in the community and how you’re giving back. Tell me about what that means to you.
HENRY: Yeah, I’ve been getting back in in the community, having my Two All Foundation, which is trying to level the playing field for the youth and all the adolescents in need. And you know, just trying to to give back, be a resource. Very blessed to have the platform that I have and you know, God has blessed me tremendously. So, you know, I just wanna do the Lord’s work of of giving back, being a positive influence, and reaching as reaching as many communities that I have that have had an effect on me and that I’ve that that I’ve been around and just trying to be a blessing to these kids. Thank my Lord and savior Jesus Christ for, you know, giving me opportunity to to do something like this and this award is so so significant. Walter Payton and the Payton family, what they what they represent, what this award represents. I’m very appreciative and fortunate to be able to be up for this award, represent the Ravens and it’s it’s it’s definitely an honor.
MAADDI: It’s time for some Pro Picks. We were 3-1 straight up and against the spread last week. Overall, 39-12-1. That’s a .760 winning percentage. 32-19-1 against the spread. That’s a .625 winning percentage. For my best bet, I’m looking at the Eagles and Chargers game on “Monday Night Football.” Both teams are 8-4. Philly is currently a three-point favorite. That’ll likely change between now and game time, depending on Justin Herbert’s status. He had surgery on his left wrist. He’s gonna try and play. Whether he does or not, I still see the Eagles coming out of their funk. Saquon Barkley had 255 yards rushing, including touchdowns of 70 and 72 yards the last time he played at SoFi Stadium. That was against the Rams last year. This is against the Chargers. Still, I see the Eagles winning 24-18. The upset special is one of those matchups for first place. This one in the AFC South. The Colts, 8-4, at Jacksonville, they’re 8-4. The line is Colts minus 1.5. So they are a road favorite, even though they haven’t won in Jacksonville since 2014. The Colts are also 3-16-1 against the spread versus the Jaguars since 2015. Daniel Jones, Jonathan Taylor, and the rest of that high-scoring offense has been sluggish during a stretch where Indy has lost 3 of 4. The defense won’t have All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner. That’s good news for Trevor Lawrence and Jakobi Meyers. He’s boosted the passing game since coming over at the trade deadline. Jaguars, 22-20. Next I’ve got a bounce back game. The Los Angeles Rams are 9-3. They lost last week to Carolina. They’re at Arizona. The Cardinals are 3-9. Rams are eight-point favorites. Matthew Stafford’s coming off a rare three-turnover game, and the Rams look to rebound from a poor defensive effort. They gave up 31 against the Panthers. The Cardinals, Jacoby Brissett is 1-6 as a starter filling in for Kyler Murray. He’s upgraded the passing game, but not enough to get W’s. The Rams are 26-11 overall and 25-11-1 against the spread in December under coach Sean McVay. The calendar has turned to December. Rams, 31-16. Lastly, I know if you bet bad teams, bad things happen, but I can’t resist this game. Tennessee 1-11 at Cleveland 3-9. The Browns are four-point favorites. Cam Ward’s rookie season has been dismal in Tennessee. The Titans have lost seven games by double digits. Now, Shedeur Sanders has brought some excitement to the Browns in his two starts. He’s shown some of his potential, some good, some bad. But Cleveland has a dominant defense led by Myles Garrett. He’s got 19 sacks. He’s going to make all the difference. Browns, 20-13.
That’s it for this week. Thank you to Derrick Henry. Thank you for listening to On Football, and thanks to Haya Panjwani and Guillermo Gonzalez for producing this episode. Please check out AP News.com for the full Pro Picks, On Football analysis and more NFL news.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) scores a touchdown past Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. (44) as Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Devontez Walker (81) celebrates during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
