European Charter Operator Conditionally Pre-Orders Fifty VX4 eVTOL Aircraft
Vertical Aerospace, the Bristol, UK-based concern that designs and manufactures Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft—has announced that FLYINGGROUP, the European charter operator and broker of business aircraft, has conditionally pre-ordered up to 50 of its VX4 aircraft.
The VX4 is a piloted, eVTOL aircraft ostensibly capable of transporting four passengers and a pilot one-hundred-miles (161-kilometers) at speeds of up to two-hundred miles per hour (320-kilometers per hour). The VX4 is intended to operate from confined, urban locations and is—according to its manufacturer—safer than and one-hundred-times quieter than a conventional helicopter.
Vertical has already sold significant numbers of its VX4 to customers across the aviation industry. The company’s clients include major air-carriers such as American and Virgin Atlantic Airlines, charter operators and aircraft brokerages such as Avolon and Bristow, and commercial helicopter operators. Vertical’s deal with FLYINGGROUP represents the young company’s first commercial agreement within the business aviation sector, and speaks to increasing, industry-wide acceptance of eVTOL aircraft and their profit-making potential.
To date, Vertical Aerospace’s books contain orders for 1,400 aircraft representing a total value of $5.6-billion.
FLYINGGROUP began operations in Antwerp in 1995. The company operates from bases across Europe and the Middle East, and currently manages 45 conventional aircraft ranging in size and capability from Cessna’s Citation CJ3 to Bombardier’s Global 5000. FLYINGGROUP’S interest in the VX4 underscores the company’s awareness of sustainability’s marketing advantages and demonstrates its willingness to facilitate the public’s inchoate desire to avail itself of innovative, and efficient regional air mobility alternatives.
FLYINGGROUP founder Bernard Van Milders said of his company’s deal with Vertical Aerospace: "Now that we’re also enabling flexible and energy-efficient regional travel, we are honored to partner with Vertical’s team and their state-of-the-art aircraft. Going electric is the next big step in our sustainability plan. Not only will we be expanding our fleet with the most advanced electric eVTOLs; we will be able to accommodate our clients and guests with the newest zero-carbon ‘door-to-door’ private and business aviation. By connecting airports with cities and ports, FLYINGGROUP is bringing a new wave of business travel to corporations and individuals."
Vertical Aerospace founder and CEO Stephen Fitzpatrick echoed Mister Van Milders’s sentiments, stating: "We are delighted to partner with FLYINGGROUP to change the way people travel throughout the business aviation market. With this provisional pre-order, FLYINGGROUP can look to a future where they can continue to provide quality to business clients—but now with zero emissions."
Bolen Gives Congress a Rare Thumbs-Up
See All