Aviation News – Vertical Aerospace and Sigma Air Mobility Sign MoU for Valo Electric Aircraft Acquisition
Vertical Aerospace and Sigma Air Mobility, an advanced air mobility operator under the Luxaviation Group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the intended purchase of Valo electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. Announced on July 20, 2026, the strategic agreement establishes a joint operational framework to transition the zero-emission aircraft from initial testing directly into commercial flight services.
The signed agreement creates a comprehensive blueprint covering commercial readiness, aircraft operations, and specific customer requirements. By bringing Sigma Air Mobility into the development process early, Vertical Aerospace ensures its Valo aircraft aligns with real-world infrastructure and operator needs ahead of full market entry.
This collaboration expands Vertical’s growing commercial network, which already holds roughly 1,500 conditional pre-orders for the Valo platform from major international customers, including American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Japan Airlines. Sigma Air Mobility gains access to cutting-edge electric flight technology, backed by Luxaviation Group’s global network of over 200 business aircraft and more than 100 fixed-base operator locations worldwide.
The Valo eVTOL is a piloted, four-passenger electric aircraft engineered for quiet, zero-operating-emission urban air mobility. Operating on advanced battery architectures and electric propulsion systems, the aircraft offers vertical takeoff capabilities suited for congested metro areas, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional short-haul ground transport.
“Bringing a new class of aircraft into commercial service requires more than certification; it requires an ecosystem of experienced operators, customers, and partners ready to deploy it at scale,” stated Michael Cervenka, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer at Vertical Aerospace. “Sigma Air Mobility and Luxaviation Group bring decades of operational expertise that will help ensure Valo integrates seamlessly into aviation networks and is ready to deliver for operators and passengers from day one.”
The partnership establishes a clear path toward the full commercial deployment of quiet, zero-emission regional air travel across Europe and beyond. Operators can anticipate streamlined certification integration, reduced urban transit times, and lower lifetime maintenance costs as electric aviation matures.
This agreement marks another significant milestone for Vertical Aerospace as it advances toward final design baseline sign-offs and flight testing. By aligning with experienced operational partners like Sigma Air Mobility, the company strengthens its position in the emerging advanced air mobility market. These combined efforts accelerate the transition toward clean, quiet, and accessible aerial transportation for future passengers worldwide.
