- Vertical to conduct public demonstration flights throughout Farnborough- the first by an eVTOL aircraft at the show
- Valo aircraft on display alongside one of the industry’s strongest aerospace technology ecosystems
- Company’s presence at Farnborough follows successful piloted transition flights, marking the next phase towards certification and commercial service
Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL), a global aerospace and technology company advancing electric aviation, is set to make history by conducting the first public electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) demonstration flights at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, taking place from 20–24 July. The milestone marks another major step in the company’s journey toward aircraft certification and commercial operations.
The demonstrations come during a transformative period for Vertical Aerospace. Over the past year, the company introduced its commercial aircraft, Valo, successfully completed piloted transition flights, strengthened its financial position, expanded its global technology partnerships, advanced its hybrid-electric defence strategy, and continued progress on its certification programme.
Having validated the aircraft’s core capabilities, Vertical is now focused on executing the next phase of its roadmap, which includes certification, industrialisation, and commercial deployment.
Alongside the live flight demonstrations, visitors will have the opportunity to explore a full-scale commercial model of Valo, showcasing the company’s vision for the future of sustainable air mobility.
CEO Highlights Company’s Progress
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said the company arrives at Farnborough with strong momentum after a year of significant achievements.
He noted that Vertical has transformed its business by launching Valo, completing piloted transition flights, strengthening its balance sheet, and expanding its industrial ecosystem. According to Simpson, the company has successfully demonstrated its technology and is now focused on executing its certification, industrialisation, and commercialisation strategy, with every milestone reducing risk and bringing Vertical closer to becoming a leading electric aerospace company.
Historic Public Flight Demonstrations
Subject to approved flight conditions, Vertical plans to conduct public demonstration flights throughout the airshow, marking the first time an eVTOL aircraft has flown publicly at Farnborough International Airshow.
The demonstrations follow the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s recent expansion of Vertical’s Permit to Fly, allowing the company to perform public flights beyond its Flight Test Centre at Cotswold Airport.
Since receiving approval, Vertical’s test pilots have successfully flown to several locations, including RAF Brize Norton, RAF Benson, Blackbushe Airport, and Farnborough Airport, helping expand operational experience across diverse environments as the company progresses toward certification.
Attendees can also stay updated on flight schedules through Vertical Aerospace’s dedicated Farnborough Airshow WhatsApp channel.
Experience the Valo Aircraft
Visitors to Hall 4 will be able to view the full-scale commercial model of Valo and meet the engineering team behind one of the industry’s most advanced electric aircraft.
The commercial aircraft builds upon the success of Vertical’s flying full-scale prototype currently demonstrating its capabilities at the airshow.
Vertical’s growing aerospace technology ecosystem includes partnerships with industry leaders such as Honeywell Aerospace, Aciturri, Evolito, Hyundai WIA, Syensqo, Sonaca, and Isoclima.
The company has also secured approximately 1,500 conditional pre-orders from customers across four continents, including American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL, and Japan Airlines.
Earlier this week, Vertical announced a strategic partnership with Near Earth Autonomy to integrate advanced autonomous flight technologies into Valo, supporting both commercial and defence applications.
Leadership Participation at Farnborough
Throughout the airshow, Vertical Aerospace executives will participate in discussions on the future of Advanced Air Mobility.
On 20 July, CEO Stuart Simpson will join senior representatives from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, Bristow Group, NATS, and the UK Department for Transport for a panel exploring the UK’s leadership in Advanced Air Mobility and the path toward commercial success.
On 21 July, Simpson will also speak during the Farnborough Finance Summit in a panel titled “Inside the eVTOL Market,” hosted by Cantor Fitzgerald. He will join fellow industry leaders including Kyle Clark (BETA Technologies), JoeBen Bevirt (Joby Aviation), and Adam Goldstein (Archer Aviation) to discuss the current state and future outlook of the eVTOL sector.
Roadmap Toward Commercial Service
As Vertical Aerospace continues progressing toward certification and entry into service, the company expects to achieve several major programme milestones.
The company plans to complete its Critical Design Review (CDR) by the end of 2026, establishing the certifiable design baseline required for building and testing certification-conforming aircraft.
Vertical also expects to bring its early production aircraft assembly facility online during the third quarter of 2026 while expanding its Vertical Energy Centre later in the fourth quarter.
In addition, the company aims to select a long-term turbogenerator supplier during 2026 to support hybrid-electric flight testing planned for the first half of 2027.
With historic public flight demonstrations, expanding industrial partnerships, and continued certification progress, Vertical Aerospace is positioning itself as one of the leading companies driving the commercialization of next-generation electric aviation.
About Vertical Aerospace
Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation. Vertical is creating a safer, cleaner, and quieter way to travel. Valo is a piloted, four-passenger, Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with zero operating emissions. Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant, offering increased range and mission flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the advanced air mobility market.
Vertical combines partnerships with leading aerospace companies, including Honeywell, Syensqo and Sonaca, with its own proprietary battery and propeller technology to develop the world’s most advanced and safest eVTOL.
Vertical has c.1,500 pre-orders of Valo, with customers across four continents, including American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL and Japan Airlines. Certain customer obligations are expected to be fulfilled via third-party agreements. Headquartered in Bristol, UK, Vertical’s experienced leadership team comes from top-tier aerospace and automotive companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GM, and Leonardo. Together, they have previously certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems.
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