A UK company has unveiled ambitious plans to introduce a ‘flying taxi’ service for transporting passengers to airports, offering a futuristic travel option comparable in cost to Uber. Vertical Aerospace has developed the electric Valo aircraft, capable of speeds up to 150mph over distances of 100 miles, facilitating quick city-to-airport connections and avoiding traffic congestion. For example, a trip from Canary Wharf to Heathrow Airport could take just 12 minutes by air compared to an hour by road.
Following successful flight trials at Cotswolds Airport, Vertical Aerospace aims to achieve airline-standard safety certification by 2028 and commence commercial operations in early 2029. The company has showcased images of its prototype aircraft designed to accommodate six passengers comfortably with generous baggage space, featuring a modern and luxurious interior.
Despite its high-end features, Vertical Aerospace intends to offer an affordable service, aiming for a cost similar to hiring an Uber ride. The company has outlined its initial route network connecting Cambridge, Oxford-Bicester, Heathrow, and Gatwick airports, with plans for broader applications including medical emergencies, cargo transport, and defense operations.
Vertical Aerospace intends to manufacture seven aircraft in the UK for testing in collaboration with the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. With approximately 1,500 pre-orders for Valo, the company anticipates creating 2,000 skilled jobs in the UK by 2035 through aircraft production.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, emphasized the transformative potential of electric flight for urban mobility, particularly in London. The company is confident in its partnership with Skyports and Bristow to lead in this market, pending regulatory approval in 2028. However, the approval process with the Civil Aviation Authority poses a potential hurdle, as the CAA is currently engaging in consultations to establish safety standards for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft within the UK.
The ongoing consultation process, initiated last month and continuing until January 2026, seeks input from stakeholders to define safety regulations for pilot licenses, aircraft operations, and landing sites concerning VTOLs.
