Valo eVTOL arrives in New York with plans for electric air taxi routes

Vertical Aerospace has brought its new electric aircraft, Valo, to the USA for the first time, launching a New York tour that also spotlights the potential for electric air taxis to support emergency medical transport.

The certification-ready aircraft is designed to fly up to 100 miles at speeds of 150mph with zero operating emissions and “airliner-level safety standards”. Its initial four-seat cabin features panoramic windows and increased luggage capacity, with a future six-seat configuration aimed at improving operator economics and lowering fares. Vertical is targeting certification in 2028, with entry into service expected the same year, subject to regulatory approval.

While the aircraft is being publicly displayed in Manhattan, Vertical is also working with Bristow Group and Skyports Infrastructure on proposed electric air mobility routes across the New York region. Alongside airport transfers and urban connections, a key focus is the potential for medical transfers, including routes such as Westchester Medical Center to NYU Langone, offering faster, lower-emission alternatives to ground ambulances and helicopters.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said: “The US Valo tour builds on the momentum from our London unveiling … New York is a natural next step to explore how electric aviation could support urban and regional travel in the US, working with partners like Bristow and Skyports to keep safety, certification, and real-world operations at the core.”

Bristow and Skyports executives added that exploring electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) operations in New York allowed their organizations to apply global aviation and infrastructure expertise to “new, sustainable aviation concepts” as the technology and regulatory landscape evolved.

Just over a year ago, New Zealand Air Ambulance Service (NZAAS) placed an order for two eVTOLS with aerospace firm BETA Technologies.