News Editor
UK’s First Air Taxi Hub Established at Cotswold Airport
An exciting development in the aviation industry is underway at Cotswold Airport, as Vertical Aerospace, based in Bristol, embarks on setting up the UK’s first air taxi manufacturing facility. This pioneering centre aims to revolutionize urban transportation with cutting-edge electric aircraft designed for short-travel distances.
This initiative heralds a significant step forward in electric aviation. The Valo models, which are currently being developed and trialed, promise zero emissions and are capable of ferrying up to four passengers over a distance of 160 kilometers. The aircraft’s unique design allows them to ascend and descend vertically, akin to helicopters, while being fully electric.
A Milestone in UK’s Aviation Landscape
The establishment of the new assembly centre at Cotswold Airport spans over 60,000 square feet, significantly expanding Vertical’s existing capabilities at their flight test site. Blair McDougall, the Minister for Reindustrialisation, emphasized the importance of this venture in reinforcing Britain’s manufacturing and technological advancement.
Vertical Aerospace plans to commence construction of these aircraft by late 2027, with an ambitious target of producing 25 units annually initially, aiming to scale up to 900 per year by 2035. The endeavour is backed by a solid order book, with over 1,500 units ordered, primarily by airlines, and certification for commercial flight scheduled for 2029.
Local Impact and Future Prospects
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, noted that the new facility epitomizes a transformative phase from prototype building to full-scale aircraft manufacture. He regards this as a ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity to tap into the rich aviation legacy of the UK.
Suzannah Harvey, CEO of Cotswold Airport, expressed her enthusiasm about supporting this groundbreaking project and highlighted its role in enhancing the airport’s position as a centre for aerospace innovation. Plans are also underway to unveil a full-scale production facility, which is expected to be announced later in the year.
This development signifies not only a leap in technological and manufacturing capabilities but also promises to boost local employment and position the UK at the forefront of electric aviation innovation.
