LONDON & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 22, 2025--
Vertical Aerospace (“Vertical” or “Company”) [NYSE:EVTL], a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, today announced that its third and final full-scale prototype aircraft has been completed and will begin piloted flight testing following commissioning in January 2026.
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The aircraft is an exact replica of Vertical’s current full-scale prototype, which is completing transition flight testing at its UK Flight Test Centre, with the most recent flight conducted on 19 December and further flight tests expected this week.
As the final prototype in Vertical’s flight test programme, the new aircraft will double flight test capacity and support public demonstrations in 2026. It integrates advanced systems and technologies from Vertical’s leading aerospace partners, including Honeywell, Molicel, and Syensqo.
Following initial testing in its all-electric configuration, the aircraft will be retrofitted for hybrid-electric testing during 2026.
Stuart Simpson, CEO, Vertical Aerospace: “As we look ahead to 2026, the addition of our final prototype marks an important step in closing out our prototype flight test programme and maintaining momentum towards commercialization. Our test pilots are eager to get this aircraft into the air.”
The announcement follows Vertical’s recent unveiling of Valo, its next-generation certification aircraft scheduled to enter commercial service following certification in 2028. As part of its certification programme, Vertical plans to build seven Valo certification aircraft in the UK, supporting final testing with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Vertical will also begin a US tour with Valo in 2026, starting in New York City in January, as it continues to showcase the aircraft to customers, partners and stakeholders.
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 completion of the piloted test programme phases including transition flight on the intended timeline or at all; the certification and the commercialization of the Valo aircraft and the timing thereof; the design and manufacture of the Valo aircraft; the features and capabilities of the Valo aircraft; the business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations; the assumptions underlying the Company’s goals, including Flightpath 2030; the differential strategy compared to our peer group; expectations surrounding pre-orders and commitments, 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, 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.
Vertical's second prototype ahead of piloted transition flight testing last week
Vertical has doubled its flight testing capacity with its final prototype
