Vertical-led consortium reveals plans for UK’s first electric air taxi network

Bristol-based Vertical Aerospace has announced plans, in collaboration with Skyports Infrastructure and Bristow Group, to develop what would be the UK’s first electric air taxi network. The proposed service will initially focus on high value mobility corridors connecting Canary Wharf with major transport hubs, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Cambridge and Oxford.

image: Vertical Aerospace

The initiative brings together aircraft technology, vertiport infrastructure and operational expertise with the aim of creating a scalable advanced air mobility (AAM) service. Under the proposed plan, Bristow would operate the routes, supported by its UK Air Operator Certificates (AOCs), while Skyports Infrastructure will contribute vertiport assets including its London Heliport and the Bicester vertiport.

The first phase is targeted to begin in early 2029 and is designed to significantly reduce typical ground travel times. For example, a journey from Canary Wharf to Heathrow that currently takes 60–90 minutes by road could take approximately 12 minutes by air.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said the collaboration leverages the combined capabilities of the partners to “lead this market” and demonstrates the commercial potential of eVTOL services, subject to regulatory approvals anticipated in 2028.

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports Infrastructure, noted that the company’s existing heliport and upcoming skyport network position it to support early electric air taxi operations in the UK.

Chris Bradshaw, President & CEO of Bristow Group, highlighted Bristow’s aviation operations expertise as a key factor in progressing advanced air mobility service delivery responsibly and at scale.

The announcement coincides with the unveiling of Vertical’s new piloted four passenger Valo eVTOL aircraft, which is being designed to fly up to 100 miles at speeds up to 150 mph with zero operating emissions. Vertical says it has 1,500 pre-orders, with customers across four continents, including American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL and Japan Airlines.

The company says it is aiming to achieve certification with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to equivalent safety standards as modern commercial airliners.