Vertical & Heathrow to collaborate on future of urban air mobility

Rhea-AI Summary

Vertical Aerospace has announced a partnership with Heathrow Airport to explore the operation of its VA-X4 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle by the mid-2020s. This collaboration aims to integrate zero-emissions aviation into Heathrow's operations, aligning with the UK's goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The VA-X4 can transport four passengers at speeds up to 200 mph, significantly reducing travel time to the City of London. Vertical Aerospace has secured conditional pre-orders for up to 1,350 aircraft, valued at $5.4 billion, from various major airlines, showcasing strong industry interest.

Positive

• Partnership with Heathrow Airport enhances Vertical's position in zero-emissions aviation.
• VA-X4 eVTOL projected to transport passengers at high speeds with zero operating emissions.
• Strong industry interest demonstrated with conditional pre-orders for up to 1,350 VA-X4s worth $5.4 billion.

Negative

• None.

LONDON, Oct. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vertical Aerospace ("Vertical"), the global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering zero-emissions aviation, today announces a collaboration with Heathrow Airport to explore how Vertical's VA-X4 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle could operate from Heathrow by the mid-2020s.

The agreement between Heathrow and Vertical is a significant milestone for Britain's zero-emissions aviation industry. Both parties will work closely to explore how this new technology can fit into existing operations at the airport, build understanding of the regulatory changes that would be required, maximise potential job opportunities and minimise any potential impacts on communities surrounding the airport.

With speeds of up to 200 mph, Vertical's piloted eVTOL will be able to transport four passengers in near silence from Heathrow to the City of London in 12 minutes, with zero operating emissions and at a cost similar to a taxi. This new agreement comes as interest in the future of urban air mobility is growing, with major airlines already operating at Heathrow keen to see the technology develop. Virgin Atlantic has already announced a partnership for the UK launch of an eVTOL network with Vertical and conditional pre-order options for up to 150 VA-X4s.

By working together, Vertical and Heathrow expect to help Britain maintain its leading position in sustainable aviation technologies and support moves to a low carbon economy to help meet the Government's net zero ambitions to make the UK net zero by 2050.

Vertical's top-tier global customers include American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Avolon, Bristow Group, Iberojet and Marubeni Corporation. Through these relationships, Vertical believes that it has the largest conditional pre-order book in the eVTOL industry, of up to 1,350 aircraft worth $5.4bn. Vertical's eVTOL aims to be an industry leader in safety, being on track to be certified to the highest global standards and matching the safety performance of airline passenger jets.

Stephen Fitzpatrick, CEO and Founder of Vertical, said "Vertical continues to partner with world leading organisations such as Rolls-Royce, Honeywell, American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Bristow Group and Microsoft. This partnership is a big step forward as we try to get the UK to Net Zero by 2050. This announcement marks the start of an exciting relationship that will help make eVTOLs flying from Heathrow by the mid-2020s a reality."

Chris Annetts, Chief Strategy Officer of Heathrow, said "We are delighted to be partnering with Vertical, a global champion in emissions-free aviation. This emerging technology has the potential to reduce congestion and pollution on local roads, while providing passengers with a best-in-class experience on the cutting edge of modern technology. We look forward to exploring the possibilities of zero-emissions flight together."

Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said "Today's new partnership between Vertical Aerospace and Heathrow Airport is an exciting next step on the pathway to creating the infrastructure needed to support eVTOL operations at our Heathrow hub.  We look forward to working closely with both Vertical and London Heathrow to transform the first and last 100-mile journey of passengers travelling through Heathrow". 

About Vertical Aerospace
Vertical Aerospace is pioneering electric aviation. The company was founded in 2016 by Stephen Fitzpatrick, an established entrepreneur best known as the founder of the Ovo Group, a leading energy group and Europe's largest independent energy retailer. Over the past five years, Vertical has focused on building the most experienced and senior team in the eVTOL industry, who have over 1,700 combined years of engineering experience, and have certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems.

Vertical's unrivalled top-tier partner ecosystem is expected to de-risk operational execution and its pathway to certification, allow for a lean cost structure and enable production at scale. Vertical has received conditional pre-orders for a total of up to 1,350 aircraft from American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow and Iberojet, which includes conditional pre-order options from Virgin Atlantic and Marubeni, and in doing so, is creating multiple potential near term and actionable routes to market. In June 2021, Vertical announced a SPAC merger with Broadstone Acquisition Corp (NYSE: BSN). Find out more here.

About VA-X4 eVTOL Aircraft
The four passenger, one pilot VA-X4 is projected to have speeds up to 200mph, a range over 100 miles, near silent when in flight, zero operating emissions and low cost per passenger mile. The VA-X4 is expected to open up advanced air mobility to a whole new range of passengers and transform how we travel. Find out more: www.vertical-aerospace.com

About Heathrow Airport
Heathrow is the UK's only hub airport and one of the world's top international aviation hubs. The airport is Britain's largest cargo port, helping to drive British trade growth and assisting the country in the fight against COVID-19. Heathrow's aim is to provide passengers with the best airport service in the world and is delighted to have been voted one of the world's top ten airports in the 2021 Skytrax Awards. Heathrow has been awarded the "Best Airport in Western Europe" for the sixth year, and became the only UK airport to win the COVID-19 Airport Excellence Award in recognition of the airport's efforts to keep our passengers and colleagues safe during the pandemic. Heathrow has passed the CAA's COVID-19 Security Assurance Scheme and has secured the Airport Health Accreditation from Airports Council International. 

About Virgin Atlantic       
Virgin Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson 37 years ago with innovation and customer service at its core. In 2021, Virgin Atlantic was voted Britain's only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the fifth year running in the Official Airline Ratings as well as receiving Diamond status, the highest possible standard by APEX and Simpliflying for delivering the highest standards of cleanliness and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to keeping our customers and teams safe. Headquartered in London, Virgin Atlantic and its holiday business, Virgin Atlantic Holidays, employs over 5,700 people worldwide, serving 27 destinations across four continents. Sustainability remains central to the airline and in September 2019, Virgin Atlantic took delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000 aircraft - helping to transform the fleet into one of the quietest and most fuel efficient in the sky. By 2022, the airline will operate a streamlined fleet of 37 twin engine aircraft following the retirement of its 747s and A332s, and its simplified fleet will be 10% more efficient than before the Covid-19 crisis.        

Alongside shareholder and Joint Venture partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a leading transatlantic network between the UK and US with onward connections to over 200 US and international cities. On 3 February 2020, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic received approval from the US DOT to launch an expanded trans-Atlantic joint venture, offering a comprehensive route network, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all carriers.          

For more information visit www.virginatlantic.com or www.virginholidays.co.uk, Twitter and Instagram @virginatlantic @virginholidays

About Broadstone Acquisition Corp.
Broadstone Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: BSN) was set up by serial entrepreneurs, operators and investors, Hugh Osmond, Edward Hawkes and Marc Jonas. It was established to combine with a UK/European business with a strong management team, significant growth prospects, and the opportunity to become a market leader in its sector. Broadstone's executive team has an extensive track record in value creation. The combination of a strong internal team, a network of external resources and the experience of the management team enables us to support rapid, substantial, and lasting growth.

For more information

Vertical Aerospace – UK/Europe - Nepean 
Gavin Davis - gdavis@nepean.co.uk  
Samuel Emden - semden@nepean.co.uk / +447816 459 904 

Vertical Aerospace – USA - FTI 
Hamm Hooper & Kayt Pitts – verticalaerospace@fticonsulting.com / +1 773 786 7286

Heathrow
media_centre@heathrow.com / +44 (0)20 8745 7224

Virgin Atlantic
press.office@fly.virgin.com / T: 01293 747373

Broadstone - Edelman  
Iain Dey - Broadstone@Edelman.com / +44 7976 295906 

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SOURCE Vertical Aerospace

FAQ

What is the significance of Vertical Aerospace's partnership with Heathrow Airport?

The partnership aims to explore how Vertical's VA-X4 eVTOL vehicle can integrate into Heathrow's operations, contributing to Britain's zero-emissions aviation ambitions and supporting the UK's net-zero targets by 2050.

What capabilities does the VA-X4 eVTOL aircraft offer?

The VA-X4 can transport four passengers at speeds up to 200 mph, covering the distance between Heathrow and the City of London in approximately 12 minutes, all while ensuring zero operating emissions.

How many aircraft has Vertical Aerospace pre-ordered and what is their value?

Vertical Aerospace has secured conditional pre-orders for up to 1,350 aircraft, totaling a value of $5.4 billion, showcasing significant interest from major airlines.

When is the VA-X4 expected to start operating at Heathrow?

The VA-X4 is expected to begin operations from Heathrow Airport by the mid-2020s, as part of the ongoing collaboration with the airport.

What is the expected impact of the collaboration on local communities?

Vertical and Heathrow will work to minimize potential impacts on surrounding communities while maximizing job opportunities related to the eVTOL operations.