Vertical Aerospace, the maker of eVTOL aircraft, has signed two deals ahead of the Farnborough Airshow, with American Airlines snapping up its first delivery slots and a move into the business aviation market.
The company announced on July 15, 2022, that American Airlines has reserved delivery slots and committed to pre-delivery payments for the first 50 VX4 aircraft from its conditional order of up to 250 aircraft. Vertical Aerospace said the agreement represented a major milestone in its partnership with American, adding it believed it was the first agreement of its kind for a major airline in the market for electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
“Together, we are making zero-emissions flight a reality for passengers traveling all over the world,” commented Vertical CEO and founder Stephen Fitzpatrick. “We look forward to continuing our work with American and seeing the first red, white and blue VX4 come off the production line.”
The Farnborough Airshow runs from July 18-22, bringing together players from across the aerospace, defense and space industries. Advanced air mobility is expected to be one of the talking points of the show, with Vertical Aerospace displaying a full-scale model of its VX4.
The company also announced that business jet operator FLYINGGROUP has conditionally pre-ordered up to 50 VX4 aircraft.
The Belgium-based operator currently manages a fleet of 45 conventional aircraft but has ambitions to add zero-emissions options to its fleet and provide customers with a new way to travel on the first and last part of their journeys.
“Going electric is the next big step in our sustainability plan,” said Bernard Van Milders, Founder of FLYINGGROUP. “Not only will we be expanding our fleet with the most advanced electric eVTOLs; we will be able to accommodate our clients and guests with the newest zero-carbon ‘door-to-door’ private and business aviation. By connecting airports with cities and ports, FLYINGGROUP is bringing a new wave of business travel to corporations and individuals.”
Vertical and FLYINGGROUP have also agreed to work together on using the VX4 in the business aviation market, including individual ownership, low volume operation, fractional ownership and an MRO service center.
The VX4 is a piloted four-passenger eVTOL, projected to be capable of traveling distances of 100 miles (160 km), at a top speed of 200 miles per hour (320 kilometers per hour).