UK’s first flying taxi centre opens

The UK has taken a step towards the commercial reality of electric air taxis, with the opening of the country’s first dedicated air taxi assembly centre at Cotswold Airport in Gloucestershire, according to a BBC News report.

Bristol-based aerospace company Vertical Aerospace has established the new facility to manufacture its electric “Valo” aircraft, which is designed to carry up to four passengers on journeys of up to 100 miles (160km) while producing zero operating emissions.

The development marks a significant milestone for the UK’s emerging advanced air mobility sector. The new centre adds around 60,000 square feet of assembly space to the company’s existing flight test operations at Cotswold Airport, where its aircraft are already undergoing development and testing.

Speaking to the BBC, Vertical Aerospace chief executive Stuart Simpson said the company was moving closer to making the concept of “flying cars” and “flying taxis” a reality. He described the opening as an important stage in the firm’s transition from testing prototype aircraft to becoming a commercial manufacturer.

Production of certification aircraft is expected to begin in late 2027, with the company targeting regulatory certification for commercial operations in 2029. Initial production capacity is expected to exceed 25 aircraft per year, with plans for much larger-scale manufacturing in the future.

Vertical Aerospace said it has secured around 1,500 pre-orders for the aircraft from customers including airlines and aviation operators. The company has also indicated that details of a separate high-volume production facility are expected to be announced later this year.