Vertical Aerospace Ltd. announced a Memorandum of Understanding with Héli Air Monaco to pre‑order its Valo electric vertical take‑off and landing aircraft for service on the French Riviera. The agreement will see Valo operate routes between Monaco, Nice, Cannes and Saint‑Tropez, offering quiet, zero‑emission flights for the region’s premium hospitality market.
The MoU marks the first commercial customer for the Valo platform and represents a key milestone in Vertical’s strategy to deploy eVTOLs on high‑traffic urban and regional corridors. By partnering with a flag‑carrier helicopter operator, Vertical gains a proven operator, infrastructure support from Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur and Monaco Heliport, and a clear path to market entry that aligns with the UK Civil Aviation Authority and EASA certification roadmaps targeting 2028.
Valo is designed to seat four passengers, with a potential expansion to six, and features a spacious cabin and large luggage capacity. The aircraft can fly up to 100 miles at speeds of up to 150 mph, delivering a 30‑minute flight time between Monaco and Nice. Its zero‑emission powertrain and low noise profile position it as a sustainable alternative to conventional helicopters for short‑haul routes.
Vertical Aerospace remains in a developmental stage with no revenue and significant losses, but it has secured new funding commitments that extend its cash runway. The company’s 2028 certification target is consistent with its long‑term commercial launch plan, and the MoU provides a tangible step toward that goal. Analysts note that while the announcement is positive, investors remain cautious about the extended timeline and the company’s ongoing funding needs.
CEO Stuart Simpson said the partnership “builds on today’s launch of Valo and accelerates our momentum toward bringing electric flight to market.” Héli Air Monaco’s CEO Jacques Crovetto highlighted the partnership as a “reimagining of the future of travel across the Riviera” through fleet decarbonisation and noise reduction. In a broader context, competitors such as Lilium and Archer Aviation are also targeting French Riviera routes, underscoring a growing regional eVTOL market.
The deal is expected to accelerate broader adoption of eVTOL technology across the industry, but it also highlights the headwinds of a long certification timeline and the need for sustained capital. The partnership demonstrates market confidence in electric aircraft for short‑haul routes, while the company’s financial position and regulatory milestones remain critical factors for future growth.
The content on BeyondSPX is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.