Vertical Aerospace announces review of strategic alternatives to support next phase of development; appoints Jefferies as financial advisor

Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation, today announced that it has initiated a review of strategic alternatives including potential strategic and financial partnerships to advance the next stage of development.

The Company has retained Jefferies LLC as its financial advisor in connection with the review.

Stuart Simpson, Vertical Aerospace CEO, said:

"This year has been the most significant year in Vertical's history, with the completion of the first piloted transition flight under regulatory supervision globally at Farnborough International Airshow. Our team at Vertical has developed the best-in-class and only dual-use VTOL platform to the most exacting safety standards to serve a broad range of commercial and defence markets. The technology is in place and has been de-risked. As our focus moves to certification, industrialisation and commercialisation, we feel that now is the right time to explore our options for financing the next phase of our growth."

The review follows a period of significant operational progress. In 2026, Vertical became only the second company globally to complete a piloted transition flight in a full-scale tiltrotor eVTOL and subsequently completed five consecutive days of piloted eVTOL transition demonstrations at the Farnborough International Airshow in front of more than 140,000 visitors.

The Company also recently strengthened its financial position with approximately $100 million of new financing to support continued progress towards certification and commercialisation. It has also appointed former Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Fabrice Brégier as Chair of its Board to help steer the Company through its next phase of development.

With the aircraft's core technology now demonstrated in piloted transition flight and the programme moving from development towards certification, industrialisation and commercial service entry, the Company considers this the right time to explore partnerships and alternatives that would benefit Vertical.

The Company's operations, certification programme and commercial commitments will continue unabated throughout the review process. Vertical remains on track to complete Critical Design Review by year-end 2026, and its early aircraft production facility and expanded Energy Centre remain on schedule to open later this year.

The Company has not set a timetable for completion of the review, and there can be no assurance that the review will result in any transaction, strategic change or other outcome. Vertical does not intend to disclose developments with respect to the review unless and until its Board of Directors has approved a specific course of action or otherwise determines that further disclosure is appropriate or required by law.