Vertical Aerospace to launch UK electric air-taxi network

Vertical Aerospace plans to launch the UK's first electric air-taxi routes linking Canary Wharf to a number of British transport hubs, via a partnership with Skyports Infrastructure and Bristow.

The Bristol-based, New York Stock Exchange-listed, company said the proposed launch routes would include Heathrow, Gatwick, Cambridge and Oxford, and that the partnership combines Skyports’ London Heliport and Bicester vertiport and future UK skyport network with Bristow’s operational expertise and UK Air Operator Certificates.

Flights will operate Vertical Aerospac's new Valo aircraft, which was also unvielled to the public.

The first phase, planned for Q1 2029, will target the country's highest-value mobility corridors and would be operated by Bristow, the company said.

Vertical highlighted an example where a Canary Wharf-to-Heathrow transfer could take just 12 minutes by air, versus 60–90 minutes by road.

The company said Valo will fly up to 100 miles range at up to 150 mph speed, and produce zero operating emissions. Certification efforts are under way with the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the European Aviation Safety Agency.

The company targets producing 175 aircraft by 2030, ramping to 225+ annually by Q4 2030, and noted it has c.1,500 pre-orders.

Stuart Simpson, CEO, Vertical Aerospace, said: “Electric flight will transform how cities move, and London is one of the best places in the world to prove it.

"With Skyports and Bristow, we have the aircraft, infrastructure and operational strength to lead this market. These plans show the commercial potential of services we aim to see operating following regulatory approval in 2028 and we look forward to bringing them to life with our partners.”

The Recap

• Vertical plans UK electric air-taxi routes from Canary Wharf.
• Proposed launch routes include Heathrow, Gatwick, Cambridge and Oxford.
• First phase planned for Q1 2029 with regulatory approval needed.