LONDON – Vertical Aerospace, aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation has announced a major contract with FLYINGGROUP, one of Europe’s leading business jet operators.
The company has conditionally ordered 50 VX4 electric aircraft, to integrate into its existing conventional aviation fleet.
FLYINGGROUP, which began operations in Antwerp in 1995, operates from aircraft bases across Europe and the Middle East. It currently manages a fleet of 45 conventional aircraft.
Today’s pre-order announcement forms part of FLYINGGROUP’s new approach to sustainable aviation, embedding zero emissions transport options into its fleet.
The integration of the Vertical Aerospace VX4 aircraft into its existing services will provide their customers with a sustainable, innovative, and efficient regional air mobility alternative.
The two parties have agreed to launch a Joint Working Group (JWG) to begin exploring FLYINGGROUP’s application of using the VX4 in the business aviation market, including individual ownership, low volume operation and fractional ownership.
The JWG will also explore the terms and conditions of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) service centre, potentially granting FLYINGGROUP the right to perform MRO services for their fleet and to support their private sales.
About the VX4
The VX4 is a piloted zero operating emissions four-passenger aircraft, proposed to be capable of travelling distances of 100 miles (160 km), at a top speed of 200mph (320km/h), while producing minimal noise, with a low cost per passenger mile.
Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder & CEO, Vertical Aerospace, said: “We are delighted to partner with FLYINGGROUP to change the way people travel throughout the business aviation market.”
“With this provisional pre-order, FLYINGGROUP can look to a future where they can continue to provide quality to business clients – but now with zero emissions.”
Bernard Van Milders, Founder of FLYINGGROUP, said: “Now that we’re also enabling flexible and energy-efficient regional travel, we are honoured to partner with Vertical’s team and their state-of-the-art aircraft.”
“Going electric is the next big step in our sustainability plan. 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.”
About Vertical Aerospace
Vertical Aerospace was founded in 2016 by Stephen Fitzpatrick, an established entrepreneur best known as the founder of the Ovo Group, a leading energy and technology group and Europe’s largest independent energy retailer.
Vertical is pioneering electric aircraft. The company now has a market-leading pre-order book by value for a total of up to 1,400 aircraft from global customers creating multiple potential near term and actionable routes to market.
Customers include American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Avolon, Bristow, Marubeni, Iberojet and FLYINGGROUP, as well as Japan Airlines (JAL), Gol, Air Greenland, Gozen Holding and AirAsia, through Avolon’s VX4 placements.
Today’s announced pre-order contract is a significant step for Vertical, as it is the first deal brokered with a business jet operator.
This is perhaps a further demonstration of the significant market demand for the VX4.
