Vertical Aerospace Pushes Back Valo Certification to 2029
Event summary
- Vertical Aerospace achieved two-way piloted transition flight in April 2026, a milestone reached by only one other company under UK CAA oversight.
- The company received an expanded Permit to Fly from the CAA on July 10, 2026, authorizing public demonstration flights away from Cotswold Airport.
- Vertical Aerospace now expects Type Certification of Valo in 2029, pushing back its previous target of 2028 due to certification complexities.
- The company plans to complete Critical Design Review (CDR) by the end of 2026 and bring new manufacturing capabilities online in Q3 and Q4 2026.
The big picture
Vertical Aerospace's push back of Valo's certification timeline reflects the challenges of certifying an entirely new class of aircraft under established regulatory frameworks. The company's progress in piloted transition flights and expanded Permit to Fly demonstrates regulator confidence, but the delay underscores the complexity of bringing eVTOL technology to market. Vertical's strategic partnerships and commercial ecosystem position it to capitalize on the growing demand for electric aviation solutions.
What we're watching
- Certification Timeline
- Whether Vertical Aerospace can meet its revised 2029 certification timeline for Valo, given the rigorous process of certifying a new class of aircraft.
- Hybrid-Electric Expansion
- The pace at which Vertical Aerospace advances its hybrid-electric variant, including supplier selection and flight testing scheduled for H1 2027.
- Commercial Ecosystem
- How the company leverages its strategic partnerships to support Valo's entry into service and generate recurring revenue streams through battery supply and maintenance services.