Britain could soon be home to its first new aircraft factory in three decades, as Vertical Aerospace edges closer to a decision on where to build its electric flying taxis.
Sky News science and technology reporter Mickey Carroll visited the company’s headquarters earlier this year to see the proposed aircraft, known as the Valo, in action. The firm is now whittling down a shortlist of potential UK sites for the factory where the aircraft would be manufactured, with a final decision expected by the end of the year.
The Valo is designed to carry four passengers at speeds of up to 150mph. It takes off vertically, much like a helicopter, before its propellers gradually tilt forward so it can fly more like a fixed-wing plane. Power comes from eight battery packs, giving the aircraft a range of around 100 miles.
If regulatory approval is secured, Vertical Aerospace hopes the Valo could enter service by 2028. Reports suggest a potential deal could bring up to £10 million in extra funding, alongside “confirmed interest” from the Ministry of Defence — a vote of confidence that could help fast-track the project.
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Sources:
- Flying taxi factories could be built soon in UK – Sky News via Yahoo Finance UK
- Flying taxis could rocket around Britain’s skies in just two years as firm secures ‘major vote of confidence’ – GB News
- Vertical Aerospace to Launch UK’s First Electric Air Taxi Network with Skyports Infrastructure and Bristow – Bristow Group
