Why did Vertical Aerospace delay Valo's type certification to 2029?

The company cited the increasing risk to its previously stated 2028 timeline and the rigorous complexity of certifying a novel aircraft category under existing regulatory frameworks. It stressed that regulatory support from the UK CAA and EASA remains full and ongoing.

What is the Critical Design Review (CDR) and when will it happen?

The CDR is a key engineering milestone that establishes the definitive design baseline for the certification aircraft. Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson confirmed the CDR is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, which will materially advance the programme and reduce risk.

When will Vertical Aerospace release its next financial update?

The company will publish its H1 2026 financial results, including an update on its financial position and capital resources, on 13 August 2026.

Vertical Aerospace Now Targets 2029 Type Certification…

Vertical Aerospace Now Targets 2029 Type Certification for Valo eVTOL

UK-based eVTOL developer Vertical Aerospace has announced a one-year delay to its Valo aircraft's type certification timeline, now targeting 2029 instead of 2028. The company made the disclosure ahead of the Farnborough Airshow, citing the complexity of certifying a novel aircraft category. It emphasized that its certification path under the UK CAA and EASA remains clear and well-defined, with full regulatory support. A financial update is scheduled for 13 August 2026.

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Highlights

Vertical Aerospace has delayed Valo's type certification target by one year, from 2028 to 2029, due to the complexity of certifying a novel aircraft category.

The company's dual certification path under the UK CAA and EASA remains clear and well-defined, with full regulatory support confirmed.

CEO Stuart Simpson expects the Critical Design Review (CDR) to be completed by the end of 2025, establishing the design baseline for the certification aircraft.

Successful piloted transition flights have already been completed, marking a key technical milestone ahead of the CDR.

Vertical Aerospace will release its H1 2026 financial results and a capital resources update on 13 August 2026.

UK electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer Vertical Aerospace has announced that its Valo aircraft's type certification (TC) target has been pushed back to 2029, in a media briefing held ahead of the Farnborough Airshow.

Certification Timeline Pushed Back to 2029

In an official statement, the company said: "Having previously indicated that the 2028 target timeline was subject to increasing risk, the company now expects Valo to achieve type certification in 2029. This timeline reflects the reality of the rigorous process required to certify a novel category of aircraft under existing regulatory certification frameworks. Vertical's certification path under the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) remains clear and well-defined, and the programme continues to receive the full support of regulators."

The company also confirmed it will provide an update on its financial position and capital resources alongside the release of its H1 2026 results on 13 August 2026.

CEO: Critical Design Review on Track for Year-End

Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson commented: "We are increasingly focused on the execution work required to advance our certification objectives. We expect to complete the Critical Design Review (CDR) by year-end, which will establish the design baseline for the certification aircraft. The successful completion of piloted transition flights, combined with the upcoming CDR, will materially advance the programme and reduce risk. We remain highly confident in the significant market opportunity and Vertical's competitive positioning, rooted in Valo's unique advantages — including building the largest, safest, most versatile aircraft that meets the highest global safety standards — creating a global market opportunity for Vertical."

Background

Valo is Vertical Aerospace's flagship eVTOL model, positioned as a high-safety, high-capacity electric air taxi targeting markets across Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region. The company's certification path falls under dual oversight from the UK CAA and EASA — a dual-track framework maintained since Brexit.

While the one-year delay to the type certification schedule reflects the considerable complexity involved in certifying an entirely new category of aircraft, Vertical Aerospace stressed that regulatory support remains robust, key technical milestones are progressing, and the company retains strong confidence in ultimately achieving certification.

Image credit: Vertical Aerospace

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