Vertical CEO: New Valo eVTOL Will Be ‘People’s Air Taxi’

CEO Stuart Simpson tells BBC Today that passenger flights will cost the ‘same as a cab.’

Jack Daleo

Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

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Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Vertical’s newly unveiled Valo has a projected range of 100 miles, with capacity for four passengers at launch and six passengers in the future. [Credit: Vertical Aerospace]

Key Takeaways:

Vertical Aerospace unveiled its Valo eVTOL aircraft, positioning it as the "people's air taxi" with an aim to make costs comparable to a standard cab after an initial premium launch phase.
The Valo is an upgraded version of the VX4 prototype, designed for "airliner-level safety" certification by 2028, featuring improved aerodynamics, lower noise, and a projected cruise speed of 150 mph with a 100-mile electric range.
The company plans to launch a U.K. network by 2029, connecting London's Canary Wharf to major airports, and has secured significant preorders from airlines and operators including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, Bristow Group, and Héli Air Monaco.

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U.K. developer Vertical Aerospace this week unveiled its flagship electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Valo, which, according to CEO Stuart Simpson, will be the “people’s air taxi.”

A chief criticism of eVTOL aircraft is their anticipated cost, leading many to characterize electric air taxis as a service for the wealthy. But Simpson said that won’t be the case for Vertical’s flagship model.