Vertical Aerospace Reports First Quarter Progress and Advances Toward Certification

Vertical Aerospace has released its first quarter update for 2026, highlighting major technical and program milestones as the company moves from prototype demonstration into certification focused development. The period included completion of the full envelope expansion flight test campaign, strengthened liquidity through a new financing package, and continued progress toward Critical Design Review.

Completion of Two Way Piloted Transition Flight Test Campaign

Vertical completed the fourth and final phase of its piloted prototype flight test program under direct oversight from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The aircraft achieved a two way piloted transition, shifting from helicopter mode to airplane mode and back again, a capability demonstrated by only a small number of global eVTOL developers. The milestone validates the core flight architecture required for certification and marks the transition from technology demonstration into certification oriented development.

The company plans a series of public flight demonstrations as it continues to expand awareness of its program and validate performance in operationally relevant conditions.

Advancing Toward Critical Design Review

Vertical reported significant progress toward Critical Design Review, the milestone that establishes the certifiable design baseline and enables the build of certification conforming aircraft. Workstreams across structures, systems, supplier alignment, and certification planning have advanced, positioning the company to lock its design and begin preparing for assembly of the first pre production aircraft.

Completion of CDR will mark a major step in the company’s certification roadmap and will formalize the configuration of the aircraft and its partner ecosystem.

Strengthened Liquidity to Support Certification Activities

Vertical secured a financing package of up to eight hundred fifty million dollars, providing access to capital aligned with key technical and operational milestones. The company ended the quarter with approximately ninety six million dollars in cash and cash equivalents, with additional near term receipts expected from research and development tax relief, government grants, and VAT recovery.

Vertical anticipates net cash outflows of one hundred eighty to two hundred million dollars over the next twelve months as it invests in public flight demonstrations and certification activities. Available liquidity and facility access are expected to provide at least twelve months of operational runway.

Preparing for Next Phase of Flight Test and Certification

With transition flight complete and CDR approaching, Vertical is entering a phase focused on disciplined execution against its certification roadmap. The company’s third prototype aircraft is expected to begin flight testing shortly, supporting further validation and regulatory engagement.

Leadership emphasized that the program has reached an inflection point, with core architecture validated and the focus now shifting to certifiable design maturity and sustained regulatory progress.

Positioning Valo for Commercialization

Vertical continues to develop Valo, its piloted four passenger eVTOL aircraft designed for zero operating emissions. The company is also advancing a hybrid electric variant to support extended range and mission flexibility. Vertical maintains approximately fifteen hundred pre orders across four continents, supported by partnerships with major aerospace suppliers and operators.

For aerospace industry readers, the update reflects continued momentum in the eVTOL sector and highlights Vertical’s progress toward becoming one of the first companies to bring a certified electric aircraft to market.