Vertical Aerospace has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with Aciturri Aerostructures to supply the full airframe for its electric and hybrid-electric VX4 eVTOL aircraft. The agreement covers both the pre-production and certified models, with Aciturri providing the wing, empennage, pylons and fuselage.

Alongside airframe manufacturing, Aciturri will take on engineering responsibility for several structural components and support concurrent manufacturing engineering. This aims to ensure the VX4 can be built efficiently, reliably and at scale.

Aciturri brings nearly five decades of experience in aircraft programmes, including work on the Airbus A320, Boeing 737 and Embraer KC-390, and has also developed airframes for eVTOL programmes including Eve Air Mobility and Lilium.

“The VX4 demands an airframe built specifically for the unique challenges of eVTOL and the highest levels of safety certification,” says Stuart Simpson, CEO, Vertical Aerospace. “Aciturri brings the world-class capability, agility and technical excellence we need to turn great designs into great aircraft.”