Overview
- This week Vertical said it is in advanced talks with UK ministers over a support package that could add up to £10 million and bring direct government grants to about £48 million while it conducts public demonstration flights at Farnborough.
- The company has warned it may locate factories abroad if meaningful UK incentives are not confirmed, with media reporting competing offers from Germany and Spain.
- Vertical says it has about 1,500 pre-orders and commissioned analysis that projects up to roughly £9 billion in annual revenue by 2035 and 2,000–3,000 direct factory jobs plus wider supply‑chain roles.
- The Valo eVTOL is designed as a four-seat aircraft with scope to expand to six seats, a range around 100 miles and top speeds near 150mph, and Vertical says it hopes the type could enter service by 2028 if it secures regulatory approval.
- A final decision on factory location is expected by the end of the year, and ministers’ response will shape Britain’s advanced manufacturing base, Ministry of Defence interest and the country’s export prospects.