UK FIRM’S SILENT AIR TAXIS PROVE BIG IN JAPAN

VERTICAL Aerospace has won a £585m order for its electric air taxis in a major boost for its prospects.

Japanese conglomerate Marubeni has ordered 200, which it is due to receive in 2025.

The deal means Vertical Aerospace now has orders for 1,350 aircraft, worth £4bn. Other companies ordering the taxis include American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, the latter wanting to use them to fly passengers into Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester airports.

The latest order comes as the firm is set to float in New York by reversing into a special purpose acquisition company (Spac) in a £1.6bn deal later this year.

Vertical Aerospace is designing and building electric aircraft which it says will be faster, quicker and greener than helicopters but with the same versatility. Founded five years ago by serial entrepreneur Stephen Fitzpatrick, it has developed a 200mph craft capable of taking four passengers and a pilot up to 120 miles.

They are also silent, potentially making it easier for them to obtain permission to fly over homes.

Fitzpatrick, the company’s chief executive, said: ‘Marubeni is one of the most respected companies in Japan and its option for up to 200 aircraft provides us with a potential direct route to market.

‘This is the most exciting time in aviation for almost a century. Electrification will transform flying in the 21st century in the same way the jet engine did 70 years ago.’