Vertical Aerospace wants to ‘democratize’ urban air travel with its Valo air taxi-amtomessage

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2026-01-25

Vertical Aerospace wants to ‘democratize’ urban air travel with its Valo air taxi

Air taxis, known as eVTOL (electric vertical take off and landing) aircraft, are going from a Jetsons-like dream to near reality.

Take UK-based Vertical Aerospace (EVTL). The company showcased its relatively large Valo (pronounced VAY-low) aircraft in New York City this week. The craft, with a nearly 50-foot wingspan, can hold up to six passengers, plus a pilot and luggage, making it much larger than rival air taxis.

While the prototype on display in New York sported a luxurious cabin, industry vet and Vertical’s chairman Dómhnal Slattery says the mode of transportation isn’t just for the rich.

“This is not for the affluent, or the super affluent, which is where helicopters have been forever. We want to democratize urban air mobility,” Slattery said in an interview with Yahoo Finance.

The Vertical Aerospace Valo eVTOL aircraft in NYC. (01/22/2026) · Vertical Aerospace

The Valo is for short-distance travel, no farther than 100 miles, but ideally it would perform multiple shorter trips before needing to be recharged. The relatively quiet electric rotors — the Valo has eight — allow it to take off completely vertically, then fly horizontally once the four front propellers rotate 90 degrees to allow for forward propulsion.

So, how much will a trip from downtown Manhattan to John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens cost? Slattery said the company’s goal was a price range “in or around the cost of an Uber Black per seat,” with a cabin configured for six people. “That opens up the mass market.”

Currently, an Uber Black from downtown to JFK costs around $150, but it can be more with surge pricing.

Because it’s fully electric, Valo is emissions-free and much cheaper to operate than traditional helicopters, Slattery said, which are noisy, emit pollution, need frequent service, and require more space to take off and land.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: attends the launch of Valo, Vertical Aerospace's new zero-emission aircraft, at The Pelligon, Canary Wharf, on December 10, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Vertical Aerospace) — The launch of Valo, Vertical Aerospace’s new zero-emission aircraft, at The Pelligon, Canary Wharf, on December 10, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Vertical Aerospace) · Dave Benett via Getty Images

Valo will soon go through a rigorous certification through European aviation authorities, one that Slattery says is more stringent than that of the US Federal Aviation Administration.

“What we’re revealing tonight is the certification airplane; this is what you’re physically seeing out there,” Slattery said about the Valo display, claiming it will go through the certification process next year.

A big part of the certification process is proving an aircraft’s airworthiness and safety. Slattery says it’s also important for customers to feel comfortable and safe.

“We want to really show these things are safe; I need to convince people that this becomes as safe as a [Boeing] 737, because commercial aviation is the safest form of transport in the world,” said Slattery, who previously worked in the industry for years in the aircraft leasing space.