Vertical Aerospace today announced that it is in advanced discussions with the UK Government on a package of support to anchor the first of its planned global full-production sites in the United Kingdom. The company is now progressing UK site down-selection for its Valo electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft assembly and battery manufacturing facilities.
“The package includes grant funding of up to UKP10 million (USD13.5 million) in connection with Vertical finalising the down-selection of UK sites for its aircraft and battery facilities. Vertical is now working toward a final siting decision, expected before the end of the year. Locating production in the UK will also streamline certification, with Vertical’s design and production organisation approvals located under the same regulatory framework with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
“The package also includes a commitment to establish a broad, cross-government programme to back Vertical’s transition from prototype development to industrial scale-up, including:
- Confirmed interest from the Ministry of Defence in the defence applications for Vertical’s eVTOL, hybrid-electric and autonomous capabilities, with ongoing engagement to explore dual-use opportunities
- Signed Memorandum of Understanding between Vertical and UK Export Finance to establish a framework for offering export-linked and customer financing facilities as Vertical fulfils its commercial pipeline
- Continued support from Innovate UK, as part of the UK’s future of aviation, focusing on high-potential businesses like Vertical and helping the transition from prototype to commercialisation and growth/
Vertical’s first full-scale aircraft final assembly and battery manufacturing facilities are expected to support around 700 direct jobs by 2030, alongside wider benefits for the UK aerospace supply chain, industrial capability and future aviation ecosystem.
With this package, direct UK Government grant support awarded to Vertical would total up to UKP48 million (USD64 million).
For more information
https://vertical-aerospace.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260720-UK-Government-Pledge-Press-Release_v1.5-1.pdf