American Airlines Solidifies Delivery Slots for Vertical Aerospace eVTOL Aircraft

Vertical Aerospace has announced that it has confirmed delivery slots and the commitment of associated pre-delivery payments with American Airlines in a company press release this week.

Above: Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 eVTOL featured with American Airlines’ branding.

American Airlines has reserved delivery slots for the first 50 VX4 aircraft of its initial conditional pre-order of up to 250 aircraft, with an option for an additional 100, announced in June 2021. The parties will also continue their existing joint work group to explore the future of advanced air mobility and prepare for the VX4’s entry into service.

The commitment to pay pre-delivery payments and confirmation of slot reservations for the first 50 aircraft is believed to be the first for a major airline in the eVTOL industry, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between American and Vertical and a historical event for aerial mobility.

This announcement follows Vertical’s recent news of a further 50 conditional pre-orders from FLYINGGROUP, the selection of Molicel as its battery partner, and an agreement by the UK for concurrent certification with the European Union’s Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Above: A full-scale prototype of Vertical Aerospace’s VX4

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder & CEO of Vertical said “We are delighted to have reached this major milestone with American Airlines on our eVTOL partnership. Together, we are making zero-emissions flight a reality for passengers travelling all over the world. We look forward to continuing our work with American and seeing the first red, white and blue VX4 come off the production line.”

American Airlie’s Chief Financial Officer Derek Kerr stated “Our partnership with Vertical is a great example of progress in our commitment to reducing carbon emissions throughout our airline and the industry,” “We have made great strides in simplifying our fleet with newer and more fuel-efficient aircraft, and are proud to take part in another step toward the development of advanced air mobility.”

Why it matters: This pre-payment is the first of its kind in an order of eVTOL aircraft from a major airline. The advance payment signals American Airlines’ commitment to obtaining these aircraft and utilizing their potential to offer customers superior air travel experiences such as services from major airports to city centers and more.

Source // American Airlines, Vertical Aerospace

Related:

• Vertical Aerospace reveals full-scale eVTOL aircraft ahead of SPAC merger (December 2021)
• Vertical Aerospace Selects Molicel to provide VX4 Battery Cells (July 2022)
• Vertical Aerospace to go Public with a $2.2b Merger (June 2021)