Air travel in and out of London may look very different within the next few years. A UK aviation company has announced plans to introduce electric flying taxis for airport passengers as early as 2028, signalling a significant shift in short-distance air mobility.

Vertical Aerospace is working toward regulatory approval for its new Valo aircraft, a model designed to carry up to six passengers. The company aims to secure certification within the next three years and intends to launch its first commercial routes between major airports and central London.

A full-scale prototype is being displayed to the public in Canary Wharf, highlighting the company’s ambition to make electric flight a mainstream transport option. According to its chief executive, Stuart Simpson, Valo represents a step towards cleaner, quieter and faster urban travel, with the capacity to transform journeys that currently take hours into trips completed within minutes.

To meet safety requirements, Vertical Aerospace plans to build seven certification aircraft in the UK for extensive testing under both the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Commercial operations will only begin once Type Certification has been granted, confirming that the aircraft design meets stringent regulatory standards.

Valo has been engineered for journeys of up to 100 miles, with an anticipated top speed of 150mph. The initial configuration will feature four passenger seats, generous storage for cabin and checked bags, panoramic windows and a privacy divider for the cockpit. The aircraft’s modular interior design is capable of expanding to six seats, which the company believes could reduce operating costs and bring down fares over time.

Vertical Aerospace also notes that the aircraft could play a role beyond passenger transport, supporting emergency medical services and specialist cargo operations where rapid movement is essential.

Domhnal Slattery, chairman of the company, described the project as a major advancement for the sector, positioning the UK as a leader in the development of electric aviation technologies. He highlighted Valo’s engineering, passenger-focused features and collaborative development process as key elements that set it apart.

If development and certification progress as planned, electric flying taxis could become a practical option for airport transfers within the next decade, offering a new mode of sustainable, time-saving travel for London’s transport network.

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