Vertical VALO eVTOL Certification Timeline Slips To 2029 UK eVTOL airframer Vertical Aerospace that is currently testing their VX4 prototypes for the VALO eVTOL finished product. This airframer was focused on certifying the aircraft by 2028 but now recent news is that the certification timeline has now slipped to 2029. It comes on the heels of Vertical Aerospace having debut one of their VX4 flight test prototypes at the ongoing 2026 Farnborough International Air Show (July 20th to 24th).
The prototype registered G-EVTA made its flying debut at the 2026 Farnborough Air Show (FIA). It will conduct daily flights at the show under permission from the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). While the test flight base for the VX4 is at the Cotswold Airport, the Civil Aviation permissions covers flights at public appearances like the FIA.
The certification timeline has now quietly slipped to 2029 which represents a year later than what was previously identified by the Vertical Aerospace company. The company has enjoyed a backlog of 'provisional orders' from multiple company types for their VALO eVTOL. Over 1,500 provisional orders have been made by airlines like GOL, JAL (Japan Airlines) and American Airlines. Helicopter specialist, Bristow also made orders. However, what has to be one of the biggest single orders made for eVTOLs came when lessor Avalon committed to 500 units of the type which at the time was worth 2 billion dollars.
Vertical Aerospace isn't just focusing its business on civil commercial carriers as its market base. The company is now collaborating with Near Earth Autonomy which it plans to explore defense applications for the VALO aircraft as well as increase the autonomy of the aircraft. Additionally, the VALO in the future will have a hybrid version that will be able to significantly extent its payload capabilities as well as range. For example, the hybrid version is expected to fly up to 1,000 miles and have a 2,420-pound payload. For more information: Vertical Aerospace Group Ltd. Unit 1, Camwal Court, Chapel Street Bristol, BS2 0UW www.vertical-aerospace.com ***
