Bristol, UK – Vertical Aerospace (“Vertical”), a leading British eVTOL manufacturer which is pioneering zero emissions aviation, today announces a development and production agreement with world-leading technology supplier GKN Aerospace, who will provide the electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS) and aerostructures for the VA-X4.

GKN Aerospace designs and manufactures advanced aerospace systems and components for all major aircraft and engine manufacturers, supporting a range of platforms spanning the most-efficient passenger planes in the world to advanced 5^th generation fighter aircraft. The aerostructures and EWIS systems that GKN Aerospace will provide to Vertical will help improve the performance of the VA-X4 and contribute to lower costs, weight, and emissions.

GKN Aerospace’s products are manufactured to the highest safety standards and are used in all major commercial airliners and engines produced today, operating at high commercial capacity and frequency. GKN Aerospace’s outstanding track record in the development, production and certification of EWIS and aerostructures will de-risk Vertical’s path to certification and help make the VA-X4 the world’s leading eVTOL.

With 41 manufacturing locations in 13 countries, GKN Aerospace’s high-volume production capabilities will also help drive global production of the VA-X4, resulting in shorter production lead times and lower unit costs.

This important partnership sits within Vertical’s carefully constructed ecosystem of top-tier partners, which includes Microsoft, Rolls-Royce, Honeywell and Solvay. By working with such innovative and accomplished technology and aerospace companies, Vertical has not only assembled diverse expertise from world class organisations, but ensured it can accelerate its path to certification, de-risk execution, allow for a lean cost structure, and enable production at scale.

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder and CEO, said: “We are delighted that they are joining our unrivalled partner ecosystem. Their expertise in producing aerospace systems and structures will help the VA-X4 to meet the stringent safety standards mandated by the CAA and EASA, an essential step forward in our efforts to electrify flight.” 

John Pritchard, President of GKN Aerospace’s Civil business, said: “The rapid progress being made towards electric aircraft is a game-changer for the industry. GKN Aerospace has decades of experience as a leader in both aerostructures and EWIS and we are excited to use that expertise to accelerate the transition to more sustainable aviation. Vertical has a great vision and we are proud that our technology can help bring that to reality and shape the future of flight.”