Aviation News – Vertical Aerospace has secured a Proof-of-Concept grant in Singapore to develop and test its Valo electric air taxi as a rapid-response air ambulance, aiming to speed up medical evacuations for remote island communities.
The UK-based aircraft developer was selected as a winner of the “Dimension X Cohort 7 Challenge,” run by Hatch, the innovation centre of Singapore’s Home Team Science & Technology Agency (HTX). Announced on 4 February 2026, the award funds a project to adapt Vertical’s commercial Valo eVTOL platform for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) missions. The effort brings together Vertical, HTX, Hatch and operational stakeholders to align the aircraft with local safety rules, operational demands and real-world rescue scenarios.
The Valo aircraft uses electric and hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing technology to operate without conventional runways, allowing it to reach confined or hard-to-access sites. For medical use, the cabin will be evaluated for stretcher layouts, onboard care equipment and space for responders, while trial flights will test mission feasibility, safety margins and response times. The goal is to bolt faster point-to-point access into the emergency system and cut delays caused by road or sea transport.
“Electric vertical flight has the potential to transform how quickly help reaches people in critical need,” Vertical Aerospace said. “Working with HTX and Hatch allows us to demonstrate how the Valo platform can safely support life-saving missions in challenging environments.”
If successful, the proof-of-concept could pave the way for regular EMS operations across Singapore’s offshore islands and dense urban areas, and serve as a model for other cities with similar geography. Authorities and developers view the project as a stepping stone toward integrating advanced air mobility into frontline public safety services.
The partnership underscores how eVTOL aircraft are moving beyond passenger transport into practical government roles. By combining cleaner propulsion with rapid deployment, Vertical aims to show that electric air ambulances can become a reliable part of everyday emergency care, not just a future concept.
