British company Vertical Aerospace, which designs and manufactures electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, confirmed today that it has received orders for 100 aircraft. Both American Airlines and FlyingGroup will order fifty aircrat.
American Airlines order
As reported by the manufacturer, the U.S. airline will make a prepayment as part of the reservation for fifty VX4 aircraft. In June 2021, American Airlines had placed a conditional pre-order for up to 250 aircraft and one hundred purchase options.
The agreement signifies an important step in the industry’s move towards the introduction of this type of sustainable air mobility. It is the confirmation of an order for a large number of aircraft by one of the world’s largest airlines in terms of fleet size and passenger traffic. In addition, the two companies will work together to collaborate on research and development of advanced air mobility in the American market.
“We are delighted to have reached this major milestone with American Airlines on our eVTOL partnership”, said Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder and CEO of Vertical Aerospace. “Together, we are making zero-emissions flight a reality for passengers travelling all over the world”, he added.
For his part, Derek Kerr, CFO of American Airlines, said the partnership is an example of the company’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. “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 towards the development of advanced air mobility”, he concluded.
Order from FlyingGroup
The Belgian company, which offers complete management services for business aircraft, confirmed a pre-order for fifty VX4 aircraft. Vertical Aerospace will thus include, for the first time, a player in the business aviation market to its customer portfolio.
FlyingGroup currently manages 45 aircraft. Today’s announcement confirms the company’s intention to start offering low emissions air mobility alternatives.
“Going electric is the next big step in our sustainability plan”, Bernard Van Milders, founder of FlyingGroup, emphasized in that regard. “Not only will we be expanding our fleet with the most advanced electric eVTOLs, but we will be able to accommodate our clients and guests with the newest zero-carbon door-to-door private and business aviation”, he added.
The VX4 eVTOL from Vertical Aerospace
As specified by its manufacturer, the VX4 will operate without emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and will be up to 100 times quieter than a conventional helicopter. It will carry up to four passengers and will have a range of more than 100 miles (160 kilometers). The aircraft can be operated by a single pilot.
It will have eight all-electric propulsion engines and eight propellers in both the front and rear wing sections. It will be able to carry up to 992 pounds (450 kilograms) of payload and reach a cruising speed of up to 150 miles per hour (241 kilometers per hour).
The prototype of the aircraft will be on display at the Farnborough International Airshow, which will begin next Monday, July 18th.
See also: Bristow and Elroy Air sign LOI to purchase 100 eVTOL aircraft
