Vertical Aerospace to Perform First Public eVTOL Flights at Farnborough Airshow 2026
Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL), a pioneering company in UK electric aviation, is set to make history at the Farnborough International Airshow (20-24 July 2026). ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); }); The firm plans to conduct the first-ever public electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) demonstration flights at the prestigious event. This milestone highlights Vertical’s rapid progress toward certification and eventual commercial operations. The demonstrations arrive at a pivotal moment for the company. In the past year, Vertical has achieved several major advancements. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(127); }); It launched its commercial aircraft, named Valo, completed successful piloted transition flights, strengthened its financial position, and expanded its global network of technology partners. The company has also advanced its hybrid-electric defence initiatives while making steady headway in its certification programme. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(128); }); Having proven the aircraft’s core capabilities, Vertical now shifts focus to the next critical stages: certification, industrialisation, and commercialisation. These efforts position the company to deliver sustainable, efficient air mobility solutions in the near future. Photo Credit: Vertical Aerospace Public Flights and Full-Scale Display At Farnborough, Vertical will showcase its progress in two key ways. Visitors will witness public piloted flights of the full-scale prototype, and they can explore a full-scale commercial model of Valo on the exhibition floor. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(129); }); Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace , expressed confidence in the company’s trajectory. “Vertical arrives at Farnborough with the key building blocks now in place,” he said. “Over the past year we’ve transformed the business – from launching Valo and achieving piloted transition to strengthening our financial position and expanding our industrial ecosystem. We’ve proven the technology.” “Our focus now is executing the roadmap to certification, industrialisation and commercial service. Every milestone we deliver reduces risk, strengthens our competitive position and brings us closer to building one of the world’s leading electric aerospace companies.” ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(130); }); Flight Demonstrations Open to the Public Vertical intends to perform public demonstration flights throughout the airshow week, marking the first time an eVTOL aircraft flies publicly at Farnborough. These flights remain subject to weather and regulatory approval. The planned demonstrations follow a recent decision by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to expand Vertical’s Permit to Fly. This approval allows the company to operate public flights beyond its base at Cotswold Airport. Since receiving this authorisation, Vertical’s test pilots have successfully flown to multiple locations, including RAF Brize Norton, RAF Benson, Blackbushe Airport, and Farnborough Airport itself. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(131); }); These operations have broadened the flight test programme and provided valuable experience across different operating environments. Such real-world testing is essential as the company moves closer to full certification and commercial service. Attendees interested in the latest flight schedules can join the Vertical Aerospace Farnborough International Airshow 2026 WhatsApp channel for real-time updates. Photo Credit: Gareth Iwan Jones Exploring the Valo Aircraft In Hall 4, visitors will have the opportunity to examine the full-scale commercial model of Valo up close and meet members of the team developing this advanced electric aircraft. The displayed model builds directly on the success of the flying prototype currently performing at the show. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(132); }); Vertical brings one of the industry’s most robust technology ecosystems to Farnborough. The company collaborates with leading global partners, including Honeywell Aerospace, Aciturri, Evolito, Hyundai WIA, Syensqo, Sonaca, and Isoclima. It also holds approximately 1,500 conditional pre-orders from customers across four continents, such as American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL, and Japan Airlines. This week, Vertical announced a strategic partnership with Near Earth Autonomy. The collaboration aims to integrate advanced autonomous flight capabilities into Valo, supporting both future defence and commercial applications. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(133); }); Leadership Voices on the Future of Air Mobility Throughout the week, Vertical’s executives will participate in high-level discussions about Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and the path to commercial electric aviation. On Monday, 20 July (11:15–12:00) in Hall 3 – AGN Theatre 1L, Stuart Simpson will join a panel on “UK Leadership in Advanced Air Mobility.” Moderated by Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the session will explore how the UK can convert its early advantages in aircraft development, regulation, and operations into long-term commercial success. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(134); }); Other confirmed speakers include representatives from Bristow Group, the CAA, NATS, and the Department for Transport. On Tuesday, 21 July (15:00–16:00), Simpson will take part in the “Inside the eVTOL Market” panel at the show’s inaugural Finance Summit in Hall 4. Hosted by Cantor Fitzgerald, the discussion will feature several prominent CEOs. This will include Kyle Clark of BETA, JoeBen Bevirt of JOBY, and Adam Goldstein of Archer Aviation. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(135); }); The panel will examine the sector’s current progress and future vision. Image Credit: Vertical Aerospace Milestones on the Horizon As Vertical advances toward certification and entry into service, the company has outlined several important upcoming targets: Critical Design Review (CDR): Expected completion by the end of 2026. This review will establish the certifiable design baseline and pave the way for building and testing certification-conforming aircraft. Industrialisation: Opening the early production aircraft assembly facility in Q3 2026, followed by expansion of the Vertical Energy Centre in Q4 2026. Hybrid-electric Programme: Selection of a long-term turbogenerator supplier during 2026, ahead of hybrid-electric flight testing in the first half of 2027. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(136); }); These planned achievements demonstrate Vertical’s clear and structured approach to bringing safe, sustainable electric flight to market. With strong partnerships, growing customer interest, and tangible technical progress, the company is well-positioned to play a leading role in the emerging advanced air mobility sector. Farnborough 2026 offers the public and industry stakeholders a unique opportunity to witness the future of aviation taking shape in real time. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(137); });