Vertical is one of a number of firms developing vertical take-off and landing electric air taxis that they are hoping will become major green transport modes in busy cities across the world.
The company was founded by Belfast-born businessman Stephen Fitzpatrick and was heavily backed by Dublin-based jet lessor Avolon. Mr Fitzpatrick stepped down as Vertical’s CEO in 2023.
VX4 is designed to take off and land like a helicopter
Mr Slattery, CEO of Avolon until 2022, stepped down as Vertical’s chairman in 2023, before being reappointed to the role this year.
VX4 is designed to take off and land like a helicopter, but fly using electric power.
These types of aircraft are often called eVTOLs, meaning “electric vertical take-off and landing”, it said.
Syensqo, which is based in Europe and the US, is a supplier of high-tech materials used in aircraft, defence and other industries.
The company will now supply strong and lightweight composite materials for the full body of the VX4.
The new agreement will support both commercial and defence uses of the VX4.
Vertical says these materials are important because electric aircraft need to be light enough to fly using battery power, while also being strong enough to take off and land repeatedly throughout the day.
VX4 ‘air taxi’ interior
Vertical plans for the aircraft to enter commercial service after receiving safety certification, which it is targeting for 2028.
The firm said the materials from Syensqo have already been used in earlier prototype aircraft and the two companies have worked together during design and testing.
As part of Vertical’s production plan, the main structure of the aircraft will be manufactured by Aciturri, a Spanish company that produces airframes for aircraft manufacturers, it said.
Vertical is continuing to build a long-term supply chain for the VX4 and previously agreed partnerships with Honeywell and Aciturri. Honeywell provides aerospace technology used in many commercial aircraft around the world, it said.
The expertise Syensqo provides in developing lightweight materials is key in delivering the aircraft, according to Stuart Simpson the CEO of Vertical Aerospace.
“Their decades of expertise in lightweight, high-performance composites – combined with our shared commitment to safety and certification – will help us deliver a resilient, agile aircraft as we progress toward commercial operations,” Mr Simpson said.
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