Results for: vertical aerospace

London, UK – Vertical Aerospace, the pioneering British electric aircraft company, has been awarded Design Organisation Approval (DOA) by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for its VX4 eVTOL aircraft. This significant milestone brings Vertical Aerospace one step closer to achieving Type Certification for its cutting-edge aircraft, as the DOA signals the government’s confidence for design of a safe and reliable aircraft.

The DOA is the first of its kind to be granted by the CAA for an eVTOL aircraft, making Vertical Aerospace a trailblazer in the aerial mobility industry. This authorization allows the company to conduct design activities and issue design approvals, demonstrating its commitment to meeting stringent safety and regulatory standards.

In order to obtain the DOA, Vertical Aerospace underwent a comprehensive assessment by the CAA, which evaluated the company’s procedures, quality management system, technical workforce competence, and facilities and equipment. This recognition from the CAA reflects Vertical Aerospace’s dedication to ensuring safety is at the core of its VX4 eVTOL aircraft.

The VX4 is a piloted eVTOL aircraft with a capacity of four passengers and a range of 100+ miles (160km). Vertical Aerospace conducted a successful maiden flight of a prototype VX4 with a tether in September last year, and the current flight test program aims to test higher altitudes, speeds, and the transition from vertical to horizontal flight for the first time.

Stephen Fitzpatrick, the founder and CEO of Vertical Aerospace, expressed his excitement about the DOA, stating, “Vertical is the first British electric aircraft company in history to receive a DOA from the UK aviation regulator. This approval is a critical step forward in our mission to decarbonize air travel and bring the UK’s first electric aircraft to market.”

Vertical Aerospace has also initiated the certification process for the VX4 in Japan, with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau’s (JCAB) acceptance of the VX4’s validation program. The company has secured 100 VX4 pre-orders through leasing firm Avolon, with Japan Airlines, and 200 pre-orders with Japanese conglomerate Marubeni Corporation.

In addition to working towards Type Certification with the CAA and validations with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the USA, Vertical Aerospace is also in discussions with the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil for the VX4’s future validation program.

Paul Harper, Vertical Aerospace’s head of certification, praised the achievement, saying, “Receiving a DOA from the CAA is a huge testament to our team and the hard work we are doing to ensure safety is at the core of the VX4. It represents a significant milestone on our journey to Type Certification and we would like to thank the CAA for their guidance and continued support. I believe that in formally working with JCAB, as the fourth aviation regulator Vertical is committed to certifying with, we are on track for establishing the most detailed understanding of global regulators’ needs and differences for eVTOLs. This will give us a competitive edge in bringing the VX4 into service.”

Vertical Aerospace’s DOA from the CAA, along with its ongoing efforts towards international certifications and partnerships, demonstrates the company’s dedication to leading the way in the development of electric aerial mobility and contribute to the decarbonization of air travel.

Why it’s important:

Vertical Aerospace’s recent Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for its VX4 eVTOL aircraft marks a pioneering achievement in the aerial mobility industry, as it is the first of its kind awarded by the CAA for an electric aircraft. The DOA signifies Vertical Aerospace’s capability to design a safe and reliable aircraft, and brings the company closer to achieving Type Certification, a crucial milestone for commercial operation. Vertical Aerospace’s global approach to aerial mobility, as demonstrated by its partnerships with international aviation regulators, highlights its commitment to becoming a leader in the emerging eVTOL market and advancing electric vertical aviation as a sustainable transportation solution.

Marubeni, a Japanese industrial development company, has signed a deal to purchase 25 eVTOL aircraft from Vertical Aerospace, with options to purchase 200 in total.

Marubeni has ambitious plans to develop Advanced Aerial Mobility (AAM) networks throughout Japan, and other areas in Asia. Already, the company has conducted a proof-of-conceptions operation in Osaka, Japan, using traditional helicopters. It also has begun making pre-delivery payments on eVTOL aircraft from Vertical.

The two companies have formed a joint working group to plan how eVTOL aircraft and infrastructure can best be integrated into Japan’s existing transportation network.

In particular, Marubeni hopes to launch Aerial Mobility services using Vertical’s eVTOL at the Osaka World Expo 2025. To prepare for the event, the company conducted trials of flights from Osaka heliport to Wakayama using existing helicopters at future expected AAM service prices, to prove the concept for these future services.

Throughout the demonstration trials in Osaka, Marubeni began addressing public awareness, acceptance, and requirements for future eVTOL services in the prefecture.

Satoshi Takechi, general manager, Aviation, Space & Defense Department at Marubeni, said: “I am confident that our continued joint efforts with Vertical Aerospace, such as evaluating the requirements for eVTOL operations and engaging the potential partners under the Joint Working Group, together with this new agreement, will accelerate the development of the AAM market in Japan. Marubeni will further enhance activities to materialise our business, which aims to make air travel more accessible and convenient, while simultaneously contributing to climate change mitigation measures, including low-carbon and decarbonisation initiatives.”

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Vertical founder and CEO, said: “We are delighted to have reached the next milestone in our partnership with Marubeni. Japan is a wonderful country which is embracing the promise of eVTOL, as it will connect cities and regions like never before. We look forward to our joint efforts to build the ecosystem for zero-emissions travel in Japan.”

Why it’s important: The interest and collaboration of Marubeni with Vertical Aerospace further confirms Japan as high-potential launch market for eVTOL operations and overall aerial mobility. Notably, this agreement has made Marubeni the first Japanese company to make a major pre-purchase for eVTOL aircraft from Vertical Aerospace, joining American companies like American Airlines.

Source // Vertical Aerospace

Related:

• EHang 216 Completes Trial Flights Spanning Four Japanese Cities Over One Week
• ANA Holdings and Joby Partner to Bring Air Taxi Service to Japan
• American Airlines Solidifies Delivery Slots for Vertical Aerospace eVTOL Aircraft
• Japanese eVTOL developer SkyDrive Receives Order for up to 100 eVTOLs from Pacific Group

Vertical Aerospace has added its VX4 prototype to the list of eVTOL aircraft which have achieved flight this past week. The announcement comes with the receipt of its Permit to Fly from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and becomes the first British aerospace company to achieve first flight of an aircraft in 20 years.

The moment marked a significant milestone as Vertical continues to progress successfully through its intensive flight test program. The program is expected to continue for several months, completing different stages which will involve reaching higher altitudes and speeds and demonstrating the transition from vertical to forward flight.

Vertical Aerospace Chief Test Pilot, Justin Paines, said: “This test represented the culmination of many months preparation by a huge team, and being at the controls of the VX4 for the first time was an honor and a proud moment for us all.”

The company, unlike many of its competitors, decided to conduct its first flight tests with a pilot on board to prove it could meet the most stringent safety standards. To do this, Vertical Aerospace received regulatory approval in the form of a “Permit to Fly” from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), after demonstrating the test could be conducted safely.

The permit and the positive results of these early tests allow the teams at Vertical Aerospace to progress confidently on their mission to certify the VX4 by 2025. The aircraft is designed to carry a pilot plus four passengers, and is expected to have a range of up to 100 miles with the ability to cruise at speeds of around 150 miles per hour and a top speed of 200 miles per hour.

The company has already received more than 1,400 conditional pre-orders from some of the world’s leading airlines, operators, lessors and tourist groups including Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Japan Airlines and Air Asia. Especially notabl, Vertical recently announced that American Airlines has conditionally committed to make a pre-payment for its first 50 deliveries of the VX4, a strong vote of confidence from the airline industry.

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder & CEO, Vertical, said “This moment represents a small step for Vertical Aerospace, but it’s a giant leap forward for British aviation. For more than 100 years the UK has been a global leader in aviation and today, in the 21st century, Britain is leading the world in the development of zero carbon aircraft.”

Why it matters: With its impressive orderbook and strong financial backing, Vertical’s VX4 may be a big win for the aerial mobility space. By transitioning into the flight test stage of development, Vertical becomes much closer to realizing its eVTOL dreams and goal to certify by 2025.

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)

Vertical Aerospace has partnered with E-One Moli Energy Corp (aka Molicel) to provide high-performance battery cells for its upcoming VX4 eVTOL aircraft. Molicel is an industry leader in high-power lithium-ion cells, already with clients such as NASA and Williams Advanced Engineering.

Above: Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 eVTOL, expected to achieve certification by 2024

Vertical Aerospace’s eVTOL aircraft has been in development for several years, and is now one of top eVTOL vehicles on the market nearing certification alongside experts like Joby Aviation, Lilium, and Beta Technologies. It features semi-autonomous capabilities, an all-electric range of over 100 miles, and room for four passengers plus a pilot. The company recently went public on the New York Stock Exchange, and has received valuations upwards of $1 billion USD.

Now, Vertical Aerospace has taken another major developmental step by choosing Molicel to supply high power cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells for the production version of the VX4. The batteries from Molicel will combine Molicel’s cell technology with Vertical’s proprietary battery pack design, and will be used in the VX4 through to certification and entry into service. In particular, Molicel specializes in high-powered cells, low impedance,
fast charging, and high-performance applications, making them an excellent partner for Vertical Aerospace.

According to a recent press release, Vertical reviewed the capabilities of dozens of cell manufacturers before selecting Molicel as its battery partner, as it believes Molicel is uniquely placed to meet the performance and safety requirements of the VX4 and to continue to deliver innovation and improved performance over time.

Above: An example of the eVTOL battery pack by Vertical Aerospace that utilizes Molicel battery cells

Molicel has over 40 years’ experience in energy research and development, and will now form a working group with Vertical Aerospace to ensure the resulting battery system is safe, reliable, economical, and ready to meet every need of the VX4 aircraft. The new system will be certified concurrently with the European Union’s Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Casey Shiue, President of Molicel, said: “We have long been known as the pioneers of high power, low impedance, fast charge battery cell technology and have vast experience across a range of applications. We are on a mission to produce outstanding cells to drive the electric evolution and are very excited to enter this strategic partnership with Vertical Aerospace. We work with some of the best engineers in the world and have been immensely impressed by Vertical’s technical and engineering pedigree. We see our technology is a key enabler of safe and efficient flight, and we look forward to working with Vertical Aerospace to bring their revolutionary VX4 aircraft to the skies.”

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder & CEO of Vertical Aerospace commented: “The future of electric aviation is dependent on safe, high-performance battery systems and fundamental to this is the battery cells themselves. That’s why I am delighted to be partnering with Molicel, producer of the world’s highest power cells. Molicel has a rich history of innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in energy storage. We see many similarities between ourselves and Molicel and we couldn’t think of a better partner to bring the VX4 to market.”

Above: Leaders at Vertical Aerospace and Molicel with the VX4 eVTOL aircraft behind them

Why it’s important: As eVTOL developers are nearing commercial readiness, many are forming partnerships that will supply components for the final mass-produced versions of their aircraft. With these companies closer to commercial operations than ever before, followers can note which kind of companies are being selected to be part of this rapidly expanding industry.

Source // Molicel, Vertical Aerospace

Related:

• Airlines are Ordering Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 eVTOL from Avolon (March 2022)
• Vertical Aerospace reveals full-scale eVTOL aircraft ahead of SPAC merger (December 2021)
• Vertical Aerospace & Heathrow Airport to collaborate on future of urban air mobility (November 2021)
• Bristow Group orders up to 150 eVTOL Aircraft from EmbraerX and Vertical Aerospace (September 2021)

AirAsia and Air Greenland have both committed to purchasing or leasing a fleet of Vertical Aerospace VX4 eVTOL aircraft from Avolon, the world’s second largest aircraft lessor. In June 2021, Avolon ordered 500 VX4 eVTOL aircraft from Vertical, valued at US $2 billion. Since announcing that order, Avolon placed 250 VX4 aircraft with Gol and Grupo Comporte in Brazil, up to 100 aircraft with Japan Airlines in Japan, and a minimum of 100 aircraft with AirAsia. Avolon has now placed up to 90% of its initial orderbook, underlining the demand for VX4 aircraft from the world’s leading airlines.

AirAsia plans to lease a minimum of 100 of Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 from Avolon. The leasing arrangement through Avolon is the first pre-order of Vertical’s aircraft since the manufacturer listed on the NYSE in December 2021. More recently, Avolon and Air Greenland announced that they will partner to form a Working Group to assess the opportunity to commercialize zero-emissions air travel in the region. The Working Group will also collaborate to identify local infrastructure and certification requirements for eVTOL aircraft.

The VX4 is a piloted, four-passenger, zero operating emissions electric VTOL aircraft that is projected to fly at speeds of up to 200mph, over a 100-mile range. The VX4 is expected to be near silent in flight, and with a low cost per passenger mile, it will be an affordable option for travelers with a cost at a slight premium over ground-based taxi services.

Dómhnal Slattery, CEO of Avolon commented on March 22, 2022: “Since our initial order, we have seen airlines all over the world make a commitment to the zero emissions travel by selecting the VX4 aircraft as the first step in their decarbonisation journey. Today’s announcement with Air Greenland means we are taking zero-emissions travel to where climate change is having its most pronounced impact. We look forward to working with Air Greenland to bringing the zero-operating emission VX4 aircraft to where it matters the most.”

Why it’s important: AirAsia and Air Greenland join Japan’s JAL and Brazil’s Gol in agreeing to leases for the VX4 from Avolon. This further extends Vertical Aerospace’s global reach for its electric aircraft, into Southeast Asia and Europe, with pre-orders already directly agreed upon for up to 1,350 aircraft in total from American Airlines, Avolon, Virgin Atlantic, Iberojet, Bristow Group, and Marubeni.

Source // Vertical Aerospace press release

Bristol, England-based Vertical Aerospace has agreed to a joint development program with Italy-based Leonardo for the design, testing, manufacturing, and supply of the carbon composite fuselage for Vertical’s VX4 electric aircraft.

Vertical and Leonardo will work together on optimizing lightweight composite structures, modular design, systems installation, and structural testing for the co-development of the aircraft’s fuselage. This is currently in place for at least six certification aircraft, up to the successful certification of the VX4. The agreement has also stated the potential to scale fuselage production to 2,000 aircraft a year to meet Vertical’s existing market-leading order book demand. Vertical has what it believes is the largest conditional pre-order book (by value) in the eVTOL industry, of up to 1,350 aircraft worth $5.4 billion from American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow and Iberojet, including pre-order options from Virgin Atlantic and Marubeni, and through Avolon’s placements, airlines JAL and Gol.

Leonardo, the fuselage manufacturer for Boeing’s 787 jet, has long-established expertise in composite aerostructures development and manufacturing on civil and defense programs. The aerospace firm also has a close relationship with Vertical’s strategic composite materials supplier, Solvay. Vertical and Solvay are jointly developing advanced materials and manufacturing technologies that will enable high volume production of the VX4.

Michael Cervenka, president of Vertical said: “Vertical is pioneering electric aviation and is on a mission to transform the way people travel. I have been hugely impressed by Leonardo’s highly innovative and industry leading technical and manufacturing capabilities and our partnership has got off to a flying start. I’m thrilled that Leonardo will be joining us in this journey. We have a market-leading pre-order book for our VX4, and this partnership will ensure that we can scale the program to meet demand.”

Lucio Valerio Cioffi, Leonardo’s general manager, said: “Advanced air mobility is part of Leonardo’s mandate to innovate using our cutting edge, human-centered technology and industrialization expertise. We’re proud to collaborate with Vertical as part of our strategic vision in this brand new sector.”

Giancarlo Schisano, managing director of Leonardo’s Aerostructures Division said: “Leonardo, as partner to the world’s leading commercial aircraft manufacturers, is specialized in the production and assembly of major structural composite and metallic components for commercial aircraft. Leonardo strives to bring new technologies, materials and processes into our established practices in our production sites. This will be the case at our Grottaglie plant in Southern Italy, where we will focus our VX4 activities; the plant is one of the most advanced facilities in Europe to produce composite aerostructures.”

Why it’s important: Vertical’s partnership with Leonardo builds on its unparalleled ecosystem of partners, including Rolls-Royce, Honeywell, Solvay, GKN and Microsoft. Vertical continues to grow its team of experienced engineers and aviation executives and expects to begin the VX4’s test flight program later in 2022. The VX4 is designed to be a near-silent, entirely-electric, piloted aircraft with four-passenger capacity; if successful in building and certifying the aircraft to the design specifications, Vertical has the opportunity to pave the way for advanced air mobility and revolutionize the way we travel.

Source // Vertical Aerospace press release

Vertical Aerospace is slated to join Joby, Archer, and Lilium as the fourth eVTOL company to go public this year via SPAC merger. Subject to shareholder approval and the satisfaction or waiver of other closing conditions, Broadstone Acquisition Corp. expects to complete its previously announced business combination with Vertical Aerospace, raising at least $300 million in gross proceeds.

Ahead of the December 16 shareholder voting results announcement, Vertical also unveiled its new full-scale eVTOL aircraft, the VX4, in a tweet earlier this week.

Vertical’s VX4 aircraft is a four passenger, one pilot eVTOL projected to be capable of transporting a pilot and four passengers across distances of a range over 100 miles at top speeds of over 200 miles per hour, while producing minimal noise and zero operating emissions, with low cost per passenger mile.

Vertical is targeting the highest global certification for its VX4, which is expected to achieve the equivalent safety standard of a passenger jet by 2024 (based on the expected standards promulgated by the CAA and EASA).

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder and CEO of Vertical Aerospace said: “The closing of this listing will be a landmark moment for Vertical Aerospace. We have some of the industry’s leaders as our partners and a world-class team that can make zero emission aviation a reality. It will be fantastic to reach this milestone and I am so proud of what the team has achieved.”

Hugh Osmond, Chairman of Broadstone said: “Vertical Aerospace is revolutionizing air transport and pioneering cutting-edge technologies that will change the way that people travel – and support the path towards Net Zero. We are pleased to be in a position to close this business combination and excited for the future of Vertical Aerospace.”

Why it’s important: The upcoming business combination transaction will provide the required capital to certify Vertical’s VX4, develop a manufacturing facility, and build out the Company’s commercial platform while scaling production. The VX4 is expected to open up advanced air mobility to a whole new range of passengers and transform travel infrastructure across the globe.

Source // Vertical Aerospace press release

Bristow Group is one of the world’s leading operators of helicopters provided for government and civil organizations worldwide, oil and gas customers needing offshore transportation, and search and rescue aircraft support. Its current fleet includes approximately 240 of the helicopter industry’s most modern aircraft, providing services in areas like Africa, the Americas, Australia, and several countries in Europe.

The Vertical Aerospace VA-X4 (Left) and EmbraerX’s Eve eVTOL (right) featured with Bristow’s signature branding.

Both Vertical Aerospace and EmbraerX have started to see more and more traction within the last year. After unveiling the VA-X4, Vertical Aerospace went public with a $2.2bn merger and formed partnerships with American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Avalan. Meanwhile, EmbraerX’s Eve division with Ascent Air Mobility for operations in the Asia-Pacific Region, and with popular urban air mobility provider BLADE Urban Air Mobility in the U.S, which currently provides urban transportation using helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

Now, both companies have added yet another massive pre-order set and key partner to their growing lists. Bristow Group represents a major segment of vertical air transportation the world over. Bristow has signed an MoU with Vertical Aerospace for up to 50 eVTOL aircraft, and will not only purchase these aircraft from Vertical once available, but also will also aid Vertical with regulatory certification, infrastructure, and environmental requirements for the VA-X4. With EmbraerX, Bristow placed an order for up to 100 eVTOL aircraft, and will assist Embraer with operations development, vertiport design, regulatory development, and even autonomous operations development. According to Bristol, it will use both Vertical and EmbraerX’s new aircraft to expand into new markets for the company, including a focus on commercial air taxi flight operations.

Example of Bristow’s current large helicopter fleet

Said Bristow President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Bradshaw, “Our MOU with Vertical allows us to build upon our leadership position in the vertical transportation market for the past 70+ years and now sets the stage for the disruptive advantages of the VA-X4 with its zero carbon emissions and low operating costs for passenger transport. Our expansion into these new and existing geographic markets with sustainable, innovative and efficient vertical lift and aerial transport services will offer passengers superior regional air mobility solutions” (September 21st, 2021).

He added, “The strategic MOU (with Eve) outlines the continued development of a comprehensive UAM model between Bristow and Eve for an eVTOL that could potentially reshape the market for all electric vertical lift with zero-emissions and lower operating costs. This allows us to expand our expertise to provide sustainable, innovative and efficient vertical lift into new potential end markets” (September 23rd, 2021)

Why it’s important: With this move, Bristow is signaling its intention to transition from traditional helicopters to all-electric eVTOLs. It has demonstrated this commitment by not only placing orders, but also by partnering with Vertical and Embraer for infrastructure and regulatory development. In addition, with this move, the company is announcing its plans to expand from its current operations into the commercial eVTOL air taxi market, thus marking itself as another key company in the playing field of eVTOL air taxi operators.

Source // Bristow Group

Related:

• Vertical Aerospace to go Public with a $2.2b Merger
• Ascent Partners with Embraer for 100 Eve eVTOLs
• EmbraerX’s Eve to Provide BLADE with up to 60 eVTOL Aircraft