LONDON – Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aircraft, has secured a pre-delivery payment commitment from American Airlines for up to 250 of its VX4 eVTOL aircraft.
American has reserved delivery slots for the first 50 VX4 aircraft of its initial conditional pre-order of 250 aircraft, with an option for an additional 100.
The commitment to pay pre-delivery payments and confirmation of slot reservations for the first 50 aircraft is believed to be the first of its kind for a major airline in the eVTOL industry, and it marks a significant milestone in the partnership between American and Vertical.
Today’s major announcement follows the recent news of the inking of 50 conditional pre-orders for the VX4 eVTOL aircraft from European business jet company FLYINGGROUP.
Management statements
Speaking on the American Airlines agreement, Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder & CEO of Vertical said: “We are delighted to have reached this major milestone with American Airlines on our eVTOL partnership.”
“Together, we are making zero-emissions flight a reality for passengers travelling all over the world. We look forward to continuing our work with American and seeing the first red, white and blue VX4 come off the production line.”
American’s Chief Financial Officer Derek Kerr responded: “Our partnership with Vertical is a great example of progress in our commitment to reducing carbon emissions throughout our airline and the industry.”
“We have made great strides in simplifying our fleet with newer and more fuel-efficient aircraft, and are proud to take part in another step toward the development of advanced air mobility.”
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.
About the VX4 eVTOL Aircraft
The VX4 is projected to be capable of transporting a pilot and up to four passengers, traveling distances of over 100 miles, and achieving top speeds of over 200 miles per hour, while producing minimal noise and zero operating emissions.
The Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft is expected to open up advanced air mobility to a whole new range of passengers and transform how we travel.
As well as the benefits of zero emissions and low noise footprint, eVTOL aircraft will be able to operate from urban environments with economical use of space for take-off and landing.
You can follow live updates on aircraft purchasing and order placements made at the Farnborough Airshow on the AviationSource live blog: Live Farnborough Airshow 2022
