Electric flying taxis could be shuttling passengers across London in just three years, says company

"Valo is the aircraft that turns electric flight into a commercial reality clean, quiet, fast and engineered for everyday service, Vertical Aerospace chief executive Stuart Simpson said in a statement on Wednesday. Handout picture provided by Vertical Aerospace of their Valo aircraft prototype, an electric flying taxi which the company hopes can get approval for commercial service in 2028. (PA/Vertical Aerospace) It marks a new dawn in transport, one that will connect people in minutes, not hours."

"Planned destinations for flying taxis departing from Canary Wharf include London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Cambridge, Oxford and Bicester. The company plans to build seven certification aircraft in the UK to undergo final testing with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Valo should enter commercial service after obtaining the Type Certification, which is the regulated approval issued to new aircraft designs by regulatory bodies like the EASA and CAA to guarantee safety standards are met."

"Designed to fly up to 100 miles at speeds of up to 150mph, Valo is expected to launch with a four-seat cabin, room for six cabin bags and six checked bags, panoramic windows, and a cockpit divider for privacy and safety, Vertical Aerospace said. The aircraft's design, however, allows expansion to six seats, with the potential to enable lower fares for passengers, the company added."

Vertical Aerospace plans to introduce the Valo electric flying taxi for London airport-to-city routes, with commercial service targeted from 2028 pending regulatory approval. The company will display a prototype at an open house in Canary Wharf. Planned routes include Gatwick, Heathrow, Cambridge, Oxford and Bicester. Seven certification aircraft will be built in the UK for final testing with the CAA and EASA to obtain Type Certification. Valo is designed for up to 100 miles at speeds up to 150mph, launching with a four-seat cabin, baggage capacity and the option to expand to six seats. The aircraft is described as clean, quiet and engineered for everyday service, with initial fares expected to be premium.

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