Vertical Sees Asia-Pacific as Dominant eVTOL Market

Vertical Aerospace expects the Asia-Pacific region to be the biggest market for early use cases of eVTOL aircraft such as the six-passenger Valo model it aims to bring to market in 2028. The UK manufacturer already has multiple prospective operators in that part of the world, including Japan Airlines, Air Asia, and leasing group Marubeni.

At the Singapore Airshow, Vertical is displaying a one-eighth scale model of the Valo, which features several design changes from the VX4 prototype it has been flight-testing since 2022. The new design features what Vertical claims is a more aerodynamic airframe with an under-floor battery system, a redesigned wing, and new propeller architecture. The company said some of the changes have come at the suggestion of prospective launch customers.

The Valo is expected to have a range of up to 87 nm and a top speed of just over 130 knots. Vertical said the initial premium version of the cabin will have four seats with room for two more to be added for some applications, and space next to the pilot for “an observer.” Each passenger will be able to bring one checked bag and a smaller bag onboard.

According to Michael Cervenka, Vertical’s chief commercial and strategy officer, the Asian airlines plan to deploy the eVTOL aircraft on airport shuttle services, initially for premium passengers in cities such as Osaka. However, the ability to carry six people opens possibilities for lower-cost services in markets such as India, as well as Malaysia and Indonesia for cross-border routes to Singapore.

“The Asia-Pacific region will be a dominant market for eVTOLs because it has a lot of megacities where ground connectivity is challenging,” Cervenka told AIN. Vertical anticipates high-frequency scheduled services, rather than on-demand flights.

Hybrid Version Will Increase Range

Typically, the Valo will operate on routes between 17 and 44 nm. Vertical is working on plans for a hybrid-electric version that could have a higher payload and fly up to 261 nm with passengers on board.

Sightseeing trips and connections to major sporting events are among the anticipated applications for the aircraft. Vertical is also in talks over possible defense use cases, which could involve uncrewed versions of the hybrid aircraft, carrying more than a tonne of equipment for surveillance flights of up to 870 nm.

Vertical is close to completing full transition test flights with its full-scale, piloted prototypes. Cervenka said this will make it the only company in the world to have achieved this in a fully regulated environment, as the UK Civil Aviation Authority does not permit experimental test flights.

During 2026, the company says it will complete the critical design review for the Valo. It is preparing to start building the first of seven prototypes for the new design, with five for flight tests and two for ground tests, all leading to type certification.

The hybrid-electric aircraft will have an as-yet-unspecified turbogenerator and a fuel tank that Vertical says can be accommodated in the standard Valo airframe. Four of the eight battery packs will be removed for the hybrid-electric version.