A UK company has unveiled ambitious plans for a new ‘flying taxi’ service intended to ferry travelers to airports at a cost comparable to using Uber. Vertical Aerospace is touting its electric Valo aircraft, capable of speeds up to 150mph over distances of 100 miles, as a means to swiftly connect city centers to airports, circumventing typical airport traffic delays. For example, a trip from Canary Wharf to Heathrow Airport could be reduced to just 12 minutes by air, as opposed to an hour by road.
Following successful flight trials at Cotswolds Airport, Vertical Aerospace is aiming to secure safety certification equivalent to airline standards by 2028, with commercial services slated to commence in early 2029. The company has showcased images of its prototype aircraft, designed to accommodate up to six passengers comfortably with generous luggage space, featuring a modern interior with spacious seating and large windows.
Despite the aircraft’s upscale look, Vertical Aerospace is committed to offering an affordable and accessible service, with plans to match the cost of hiring an Uber. The company has also outlined its proposed initial route network, connecting Cambridge, Oxford-Bicester, Heathrow, and Gatwick airports. Beyond passenger transfers, Vertical envisions utilizing these innovative aircraft for emergency medical services, cargo transportation, and defense applications.
Vertical has disclosed intentions to manufacture seven aircraft in the UK for testing in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). With approximately 1,500 pre-orders for Valo, Vertical anticipates creating around 2,000 skilled jobs in the UK by 2035 through aircraft production.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, expressed confidence in the transformative potential of electric flight for urban mobility, particularly in London. With strategic partnerships in place, such as Skyports and Bristow, the company is poised to lead the market once regulatory approval is obtained in 2028. However, securing CAA approval for these futuristic vehicles may present challenges, as the aviation authority is currently soliciting feedback on the safe operation of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft within the UK.
The ongoing consultation, initiated last month and slated to run until January 2026, invites stakeholders to contribute their perspectives to establish robust safety standards for pilot licensing, aircraft, and landing facilities, ensuring the proper oversight of VTOL operations.