Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Vertical Aerospace this week becomes the latest advanced air mobility (AAM) start-up to converge on Miami touting a transportation revolution with its Valo eVTOL aircraft. Rivals including <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-12-03/archer-maps-out-miami-evtol-vertiport-network">Archer</a>, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-07-29/urbanlink-operate-betas-electric-aircraft-south-florida">Beta Technologies</a>, and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-06-18/wisk-adds-evtol-partnerships-florida-and-japan">Wisk</a> (as well as the now-defunct <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-05-06/urbanlink-plans-south-florida-evtol-network-lilium-order">Lilium</a>) all view the affluent and crowded South Florida corridor from Miami to West Palm Beach as a prime early adopter of the air taxi services.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the UK manufacturer is displaying its Valo mock-up at the Bass Museum in Miami in a bid to promote the AAM concept to the public. While the Valo’s cabin is being designed for up to six passengers, the model Vertical has brought to Miami—after a previous appearance in New York City—shows a so-called “premium” four-seat configuration.
With a projected range of up to 87 nm and cruise speeds of just over 130 knots, Vertical says the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-12-09/vertical-unveils-redesigned-valo-evtol-aircraft-london">Valo</a> will be deployed on flights of between nine and 36 minutes. At its presentation this week, the company is proposing services including Miami to Palm Beach (65 miles with an estimated drive time of 90-plus minutes), Miami–Opa Locka Executive Airport to Watson Island (15 miles), Boca Raton to Watson Island (42 miles), and Miami to Fort Lauderdale (21 miles).
<figure role="group" class="caption caption-img">
<img alt="Vertical eVTOL routes in Florida" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="81017eec-92fc-4ae5-a02e-3997b0b6e648" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Miami%20Routes%20Square%20%281%29.jpg" width="2160" height="2160" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Vertical Aerospace has proposed a network of eVTOL air services in South Florida using existing airports and new vertiports.</figcaption>
</figure>

According to Vertical, it is now building the first prototype of the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-12-10/bristow-prepares-launch-uk-evtol-air-taxi-network">new Valo design</a>, which it unveiled in December to replace the earlier VX4 model. The company intends to complete the critical design review this year as it targets UK and EASA type certification in 2028.
To date, Vertical has reported preorder commitments for more than 1,500 eVTOL aircraft. It does not yet have a customer that has declared plans to operate in Florida, but prospective customers include American Airlines and Bristow.
The routes Vertical envisages for South Florida would use a mix of existing airports and new vertiports. In January, Skyports Infrastructure and Linden Airport Services Corporation announced plans to develop <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2026-01-08/skyports-lead-development-miamis-watson-island-heliport">a new facility on Watson Island in Miami</a> to serve both helicopters and new eVTOL aircraft.

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