SINGAPORE & LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 3, 2026--
Singapore Airshow -- Vertical Aerospace (“Vertical”) [NYSE: EVTL], a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, today announces a major acceleration of its commercial roadmap in Japan, working in partnership with Marubeni Corporation (“Marubeni”), one of Japan’s largest trading and investment companies with deep experience in aviation, infrastructure and mobility.
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Together, the companies are advancing plans for a future Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) route network across the country, marking a significant step toward the commercial deployment of electric air taxi services in Japan. Ahead of this, the companies are progressing plans for piloted demonstration flights in the Osaka Bay area, targeted for 2026.
Route network development: the Kansai region and beyond
Vertical is working closely with Marubeni and other partners to develop a scalable AAM route network in Japan. One flagship corridor under evaluation in the Kansai region could see Valo reduce travel times by almost 80% compared with ground transport, while operating quietly with zero-emissions.
Uses cases being progressed include:
From Expo to Commercial Operation
The announcement builds on the strong momentum from the 2025 Osaka World Expo, which attracted more than 29 million visitors, where attendees had the opportunity to engage with Valo, Vertical’s upcoming certification aircraft, through an immersive cabin experience with simulated commercial flight routes across the Kansai region.
Regulatory and Commercial Maturity
Valo will be Vertical’s certification aircraft, designed to fly up to 160 km at speeds of up to 240 km/h with zero operating emissions, and engineered to meet airliner-level safety standards. Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant, offering increased range and mission flexibility.
Key milestones underpinning Vertical’s commercial pathway in Japan include:
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said, “Japan combines strong regulatory leadership, advanced infrastructure and trusted industrial partners, making it one of the most promising markets globally for Advanced Air Mobility. Our partnership with Marubeni and engagement with JCAB demonstrate our careful, step-by-step approach to developing real-world Valo operations, grounded in safety, certification and public acceptance.”
Toru Okazaki, Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Aerospace & Mobility Division, Marubeni Corporation, added: “We are pleased to take this next step with Vertical Aerospace as we progress toward demonstration flying in Japan. By advancing route development in the Kansai region, we see significant opportunities to build the operating infrastructure and ecosystem required to accelerate AAM adoption.”
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 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 system
About Marubeni Corporation
Marubeni Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries use their broad business networks, both within Japan and overseas, to conduct importing and exporting (including third country trading), as well as domestic business, encompassing a diverse range of business activities across wide-ranging fields including lifestyle, food & agri business, metals & mineral resources, energy & chemicals, power & infrastructure services, finance, leasing & real estate business, aerospace & mobility, next generation business development and next generation corporate development. Additionally, the Marubeni Group offers a variety of services, makes internal and external investments, and is involved in resource development throughout all of the above industries.
Through its Aerospace & Mobility Division, Marubeni is leading the development of the Advanced Air Mobility ecosystem in Japan, spanning aircraft operations.
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 announced plans with Marubeni for a future AAM route network in Japan, including the launch of the projected routes and expected journey times; plans for piloted demonstration flights in the location or on the timeline expected, 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 completion of the piloted test programme phases including transition flight on the intended timeline or at all; the 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 assumptions underlying the Company’s goals, including Flightpath 2030; 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 “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. 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 is working closely with Marubeni and other partners to develop a scalable AAM route network in Japan
Valo will be Vertical’s certification aircraft, designed to fly up to 160 km at speeds of up to 240 km/h with zero operating emissions
