Vertical Aerospace is launching a review to ‘explore financing the next phase of growth’ as the electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) company transitions from “development towards certification, industrialization and commercial service entry”.
On September 24, 2026, Vertical Aerospace said following the “most significant year” in its history, it was the “right time to explore partnerships and alternatives that would benefit the eVTOL developer”.
Vertical has not set a timetable for completion of the review, which may or may not result in any transaction, strategic change or other outcome. Vertical has retained Jefferies as its financial advisor in connection with the review.
“Our team at Vertical has developed the best-in-class and only dual-use VTOL platform to the most exacting safety standards to serve a broad range of commercial and defense markets,” Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said. “The technology is in place and has been de-risked. As our focus moves to certification, industrialization and commercialization, we feel that now is the right time to explore our options for financing the next phase of our growth.”
Highlights this year for the company include becoming only the second company globally to complete a piloted transition flight in a full-scale tiltrotor eVTOL and showcasing transition demonstrations at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2026.
Vertical also secured approximately $100 million of new financing to support its continued progress towards certification and commercialization.
“Vertical remains on track to complete Critical Design Review by year-end 2026, and its early aircraft production facility and expanded Energy Centre remain on schedule to open later this year,” the developer said.
Vertical has around 1,500 pre-orders of its Valo eVTOL aircraft, with customers that include American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL and Japan Airlines.