Vertical Aerospace Launches U. S.

Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company, is making its U. S. debut this week in New York City. The company is bringing its new commercial electric aircraft, Valo, to the U. S. for the first time and sharing plans for electric air travel routes in and out of Manhattan with partners Bristow Group and Skyports Infrastructure.

Valo is Vertical’s certification-ready aircraft designed to fly up to 100 miles at speeds of up to 150 mph with zero operating emissions. The aircraft has a premium cabin with four seats, panoramic windows, and ample personal space. It can be expanded to accommodate six seats, providing potential cost savings for operators and lower fares for passengers.

The aircraft is expected to be certified in 2028, with American Airlines as one of its airline and operator customers. Valo’s arrival in New York marks the first opportunity for U. S. investors, customers, partners, and the public to experience the aircraft at full scale.

Partnering for Electric Air Travel in New York

Alongside the U. S. tour, Vertical is working with Bristow and Skyports on a range of future mobility solutions for Valo in the U. S. This includes routes in and out of Manhattan, with the goal of reducing multi-hour road journeys to just a few minutes by air. These plans are made possible by Vertical’s technology, Bristow’s global operating experience, and Skyports’ established skyport locations, including its Downtown Skyport in Manhattan.

The plans focus on operational feasibility, infrastructure integration, and real-world use cases. New York City, with its density, congestion, and premium travel demand, is a natural environment for advanced air mobility. The use cases being explored in the New York City area include airport transfers, event travel, aerial sightseeing and air tours, weekend and leisure travel, cross-town urban transfers, and emergency services.

Valo Model Tour Kicks Off in New York

To mark Valo’s arrival in New York, the aircraft will be on public display on January 23, 2026, at the Classic Car Club Manhattan from 09:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. EST. This event is an opportunity for the public to experience Valo at full scale and learn more about Vertical’s aircraft, technology, and certification journey. No tickets are required.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said, “The U. S. Valo tour builds on the momentum from our London unveiling and a year of strong execution across testing, partnerships, and certification. New York is a natural next step to explore how electric aviation could support urban and regional travel in the U. S.

Chris Bradshaw, President and CEO of Bristow Group, added, “Bristow operates complex aviation services all over the world, from offshore energy to government and passenger transport.