UK eVTOL developer Vertical Aerospace adds Sigma Air Mobility as Valo customer

Bristol-based Vertical Aerospace has added Luxaviation-backed Sigma Air Mobility to the customer base for its Valo electric aircraft, strengthening the UK company’s commercial network as it prepares for certification and entry into service.

Announced at Farnborough International Airshow, the memorandum of understanding covers the intended purchase and operation of Valo aircraft, although the companies have not disclosed the number involved or the potential value of the agreement.

Vertical and Sigma will also work together on operational testing, commercial readiness and customer requirements, helping shape how the four-passenger eVTOL aircraft could be introduced into real-world aviation networks.

For Vertical, the agreement brings the operational experience of one of the world’s largest private aviation groups into the Valo programme at an important stage of development.

Luxaviation manages more than 200 business aircraft globally, while its ExecuJet subsidiary operates a network of more than 100 fixed-base operator locations. Sigma Air Mobility was established to use that expertise to develop and operate advanced air mobility services.

Michael Cervenka, chief commercial and strategy officer at Vertical Aerospace, said bringing a new class of aircraft into service would require more than certification alone.

“Sigma Air Mobility and Luxaviation Group bring decades of operational expertise that will help ensure Valo integrates seamlessly into aviation networks and is ready to deliver for operators and passengers from day one,” he said.

UK programme moves towards design milestone

The agreement adds another commercial partner as Vertical works towards Critical Design Review, which will establish the certifiable design baseline for Valo before certification-conforming aircraft are built and tested.

Vertical is developing Valo as a piloted, four-passenger electric aircraft with zero operating emissions. It is also working on a hybrid-electric variant intended to offer greater range and more flexibility for commercial, government and defence missions.

The company has built a supply network that includes Honeywell Aerospace, Sonaca, Evolito, Astronics and Syensqo, while retaining its own battery and propeller capabilities in the UK.

Vertical says it now has approximately 1,500 conditional pre-orders across four continents, with customers including American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL and Japan Airlines.

The Sigma agreement also reflects a wider push across the advanced air mobility market to involve operators earlier in aircraft development. For UK manufacturers, that operational input could prove as important as technical performance in turning promising aircraft programmes into scalable commercial services.