Vertical Aerospace Unveils Valo - the eVTOL Aircraft Set to Redefine Urban Air Mobility and Usher in a New Era of Flight

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 9, 2025--

Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) (“Vertical” or “the Company”), a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, today revealed Valo, its new commercial eVTOL aircraft that will enter into service following regulatory approval.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209050960/en/

Valo is the aircraft that succeeds Vertical’s VX4 prototype - with a new, more advanced design shaped by extensive insights from the Company’s piloted test programme and direct feedback from airline and operator customers.

Developed in collaboration with leading aerospace partners, including Honeywell, Syensqo and Aciturri, Valo introduces a more aerodynamic airframe, an under-floor battery system, redesigned wing and propeller architecture, upgraded materials, and full certifiable redundancy to meet the world’s most rigorous safety standards.

Designed to fly up to 100 miles at speeds of up to 150 mph with zero operating emissions, 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.

Premium cabin and largest luggage capacity

Valo’s premium cabin will launch with four seats, offering panoramic windows, generous personal space, and a cockpit divider for enhanced safety and privacy. The aircraft’s flexible design enables expansion to six seats, with the potential to improve operator economics and lower fares for passengers. Valo’s platform also supports emergency medical services, cargo missions and, in the future, defence, hybrid and autonomous variants.

Crucially, Valo features the largest cargo hold within its class, developed in response to airline feedback. With room for six cabin bags and six checked bags, passengers can travel without compromise – a major advantage on airport-to-city services.

From prototype to product

Vertical is now close to completing full piloted transition flight with its full-scale prototype - the defining manoeuvre of electric aviation in which the aircraft shifts from vertical lift to forward flight. Earlier test phases validated hover, thrustborne and wingborne performance, generating thousands of data points that directly shaped Valo’s certifiable design.

Vertical will now build seven certification aircraft in the UK to support final testing with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ahead of targeted Type Certification in 2028. After certification, Valo will enter commercial service.

Stuart Simpson, CEO, Vertical Aerospace, said:

“With the launch of Valo, Vertical moves from prototype developer to aerospace manufacturer. Valo is the aircraft that turns electric flight into a commercial reality - clean, quiet, fast and engineered for everyday service. It marks a new dawn in transport, one that will connect people in minutes, not hours.”

Domhnal Slattery, Chair, Vertical Aerospace, said:

“Valo sets a new standard - bigger, safer and more capable than anything in the sector. It’s a breakthrough for aviation and a clear sign of the UK’s leadership in aerospace. Valo embodies the best of Vertical - precision engineering, passenger-first design and deep collaboration with global aerospace partners - creating an aircraft with the most compelling operator economics.”

A major boost for UK aerospace and economy

The introduction of Valo will mark the UK’s return to designing and manufacturing new whole commercial aircraft for the first time in over 30 years and a significant opportunity for the national economy. According to an independent report published last week by Frontier Economics, Vertical is expected to create over 2,000 high-skilled UK jobs and contribute £3 billion annually to the economy by 2035.

Public open house today

Vertical is hosting a public open house from 10:00–14:00 GMT at The Pelligon, Canary Wharf, where visitors can see Valo at full scale.

Notes to Editor

Valo – Key Target Technical Specifications

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. Valo 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, Syensqo 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 Valo, with customers across four continents, including American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL and Japan Airlines. 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 regarding the introduction of the Valo aircraft, the certification and the commercialization of Valo and the timing thereof, the final design and manufacture of Valo, the features and capabilities of Valo, the build of certification aircraft and timelines for that, Vertical’s business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including capital expenditure requirements, which may be higher than anticipated; our ability and plans to raise additional capital to fund our operations; the completion of the piloted test programme phases including transition flight on the intended timeline or at all; the assumptions underlying the Company’s 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: we may not be able to raise funding through equity securities on acceptable terms, or at all; if we are unable to raise additional capital when we need or want them or generate sufficient cash flows, we may not be able to compete successfully or may need to scale back investments, which could materially impact our certification timeline, which would harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition; our limited operating history without manufactured non-prototype aircraft or completed eVTOL aircraft customer order; certain underlying agreements relating to the initial production facilities are non-binding and may be subject to change or termination. The goal targets, expectations and estimates included in this press release were prepared by the Company’s management team based on information available at the time such information was developed and reflects numerous assumptions, including those related to general business, economic, market, and financial conditions, as well as other factors that are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control. The Company believes the assumptions underlying such goals, targets, expectations and estimates were reasonable at the time such information was prepared. However, important factors that may affect actual results and cause the results reflected in such goals, targets, expectations and estimates not to be achieved including, among other things, risks and uncertainties relating to the Company’s business, industry performance, the regulatory environment, and general business and economic conditions, as discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company's 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 the Company’s 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.

A generous cargo hold for up to six cabin bags and six check-in bags

Valo’s premium cabin offers panoramic windows, generous personal space, and a cockpit divider for enhanced safety and privacy

Valo, unveiled in London on 10 December

NEW YORK (AP) — Kamala Harris “wrote off rural America" during the 2024 presidential campaign and failed to attack Donald Trump with sufficient “negative firepower," according to a long-awaited post-election autopsy released on Thursday by the Democratic National Committee.

The committee's chair, Ken Martin, shared the 192-page report only after facing intense internal pressure from frustrated Democratic operatives concerned with his leadership. Martin had originally promised to release the autopsy, only to keep it under wraps for months because he was concerned it would be a distraction ahead of the midterms as Democrats mobilize to take back control of Congress.

On Tuesday, Martin apologized for his handling of the situation and conceded that the report was withheld because it “was not ready for primetime."

Although the autopsy criticizes Democrats' focus on “identity politics,” it sidesteps some of the most controversial elements of the 2024 campaign. The report does not address former President Joe Biden’s decision to seek reelection, the rushed selection of Harris to replace him on the ticket or the party's acrimonious divide over the war in Gaza.

“I am not proud of this product; it does not meet my standards, and it won’t meet your standards,” Martin wrote in an essay on Substack on Thursday. “I don’t endorse what’s in this report, or what’s left out of it. I could not in good faith put the DNC’s stamp of approval on it. But transparency is paramount.”

A spokesperson for Harris did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The initial reaction from Democratic operatives was a mix of bafflement and anger over Martin's handling of the situation.

“Why not say this in 2024, or bring in more people to finish it, instead of turning this into the dumbest media cycle for 7-8 months?” Democratic strategist Steve Schale wrote on social media.

The postelection report, which was authored by Democratic consultant Paul Rivera, calls for “a renewed focus on the voters of Middle America and the South, who have come to believe they are not included in the Democratic vision of a stronger and more dynamic America for everyone.”

“Millions of Americans are suffering from poor access to healthcare, manufacturing and job losses, and a failing infrastructure, yet continue to be persuaded to vote against their best interests because they do not see themselves reflected in the America of the Democratic Party,” the report says.

The autopsy points to a reduction in support and training for Democratic state parties, voter registration shifts and “a persistent inability or unwillingness to listen to all voters.”

Thursday's release comes as Martin confronts a crisis of confidence among party officials who are increasingly concerned about the health of their political machine barely a year into his term. Some Democratic operatives have had informal discussions about recruiting a new chair, even though most believe that Martin’s job wasn't in serious jeopardy ahead of the midterm elections.

The report found that Harris and her allies failed to focus enough on Trump's negatives, especially his felony convictions. This was part of a broader criticism that Democrats' messaging is too focused on reason and winning arguments, “even in cycles when the electorate is defined by rage.”

“There was a decision in the 2024 Democratic leadership not to engage in negative advertising at the scale required,” the report states. “The Trump campaign and supportive Super PACs went full throttle against Vice President Harris, but there was not sufficient or similar negative firepower directed at Trump by Democrats.”

The report continues: “It was essential to prosecute a more effective case as to why Trump should have been disqualified from ever again taking office. The grounds were there, but the messaging did not make the case.”

Trump's attack on Harris' transgender policies were cited as a key contrast.

Specifically, the report suggested the Democratic nominee was “boxed” in by the Trump campaign's “very effective” ad that highlighted Harris' previous statement of support for taxpayer-funded gender-affirming surgeries for prison inmates.

Democratic pollsters believed that “if the Vice President would not change her position – and she did not – then there was nothing which would have worked as a response," the report said.

The report criticized Harris' outreach to key segments of America while condemning the party's focus on “identity politics.”

“Harris wrote off rural America, assuming urban/suburban margins would compensate. The math doesn’t work,” the report says. “You can’t lose rural areas by overwhelming margins and make it up elsewhere when rural voters are a significant share of the electorate. If Democrats are to reclaim leadership in the Heartland or the South, candidates must perform well in rural turf. Show up, listen, and then do it again.”

The report also references Democrats' underperformance with male voters of color.

“Male voters require direct engagement. The gender gap can be narrowed. Deploy male messengers, address economic concerns, and don’t assume identity politics will hold male voters of color,” it says.

President Donald Trump speaks during an event about loosening a federal refrigerant rule, in the Oval Office at the White House, Thursday, May 21, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Former Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a fireside chat on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

FILE - Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at DNC headquarters, Jan. 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert, File)