Vertical Aerospace has launched its U.S. tour in New York City this week, bringing its new commercial electric aircraft, Valo, to the United States for the first time alongside plans for electric air travel routes in New York with Bristow Group and Skyports Infrastructure. The U.S. tour builds on Valo’s unveiling in London in December 2025 and marks the next step in Vertical’s global engagement with customers, investors, regulators, and partners ahead of entry into service following regulatory approval currently expected in 2028.
Vertical Aerospace’s Valo positions itself as a premium yet scalable urban air mobility solution, combining passenger comfort, operational flexibility, and airline-driven design. The initial four-seat premium cabin features panoramic windows, generous personal space, and class-leading luggage capacity. A modular design allows expansion to six seats, improving operator economics and enabling lower passenger fares as demand grows. Valo is targeting certification in 2028, supporting entry into service with customers including American Airlines.
Alongside the U.S. tour, Vertical is working closely with Bristow Group and Skyports Infrastructure to evaluate future electric air mobility operations across the New York metropolitan area. Proposed routes include airport transfers between Manhattan and JFK International Airport—cutting multi-hour road journeys to minutes—as well as event-day travel to MetLife Stadium, aerial sightseeing from Downtown Manhattan, premium leisure travel to East Hampton, cross-town urban transfers, and emergency medical transport.
New York City represents a natural proving ground for advanced air mobility due to its density, congestion, premium travel demand, and established heliport network. The initiative builds on Vertical’s recent UK collaboration with Bristow and Skyports outlining routes between Canary Wharf and London Heathrow Airport. To mark Valo’s U.S. debut, the aircraft will be displayed publicly on January 23, 2026, at the Classic Car Club Manhattan, Pier 76, allowing visitors to experience Valo at full scale and engage with Vertical’s teams on technology, certification, and operational readiness.
