Bristol-based company Vertical Aerospace has announced the establishment of a new aircraft assembly centre at Cotswolds Airport in Gloucestershire. This facility is described as the first of its kind in the UK and will be used to build electric air taxis.
The Valo aircraft, currently under development and testing, are designed to take off like helicopters, carry four passengers, and can fly up to 160km (100 miles) with no operating emissions. Vertical Aerospace stated that construction of the new aircraft is expected to begin in late 2027, with an initial production of 25 aircraft per year, increasing to 900 annually by 2035.
The company has reported 1,500 orders, many from airlines, and plans to have the aircraft certified for commercial use by 2029. Minister for Reindustrialisation Blair McDougall commented that the new centre would "help turn British innovation into British manufacturing."