Vertical Aerospace (NYSE:EVTL), the British developer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has reached a critical milestone in its path toward commercial flight.
The company announced Monday that it has completed its third and final full-scale prototype aircraft, a move that will double its flight testing capacity as it enters a pivotal year for the burgeoning electric aviation sector.
The new aircraft, which is an exact replica of the prototype currently undergoing transition flight testing in the United Kingdom, is scheduled to begin piloted trials in January 2026.
By expanding its fleet, the Bristol-based company aims to accelerate its data collection and support a series of public demonstrations throughout 2026.
This final prototype integrates advanced hardware from top-tier aerospace partners, including flight control systems from Honeywell, high-power battery cells from Molicel, and composite materials from Syensqo.
The timing of the rollout is strategic.
Vertical Aerospace is preparing for an extensive U.S. tour starting in January 2026, with New York City serving as the debut location.
The tour is intended to showcase "Valo," the company’s next-generation certification aircraft, to potential customers and regulators.