UK’s Vertical takes on Archer and Joby in New York with rival eVTOL network

UK-based Vertical Aerospace is taking on Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation in New York after announcing rival plans for its own electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft network in the US’s largest city.

Collaborating with Bristow Group and Skyports Infrastructure, Vertical Aerospace plans to deliver electric air travel routes in and out of Manhattan and connect airports with key New York sites.

The eVTOL developer made the announcement on January 21, 2026, as Vertical prepares to showcase its full scale Valo model aircraft to American audiences on January 23, 2026, at the Classic Car Club, Manhattan.

In April 2025, Archer announced its own blueprint network for New York, linking travelers between Manhattan and nearby airports. While in August 2025, Joby acquired Blade’s urban air mobility passenger business, unlocking immediate market access and infrastructure across key urban corridors like NYC.

Both US developers have also made strides into the UK market, with Archer most recently launching a new UK subsidiary, Archer Aviation UK Limited.

Vertical Aerospace Now in announcing its first US network, it appears Vertical is taking the fight stateside where New York provides a “natural environment for advanced air mobility”.

“Informed by Bristow’s global operating experience as the world’s leading provider of helicopter transportation and Skyports’ established skyport locations, including its Downtown Skyport in Manhattan, the plans focus on operational feasibility, infrastructure integration, and real-world use cases,” said a spokesperson for Vertical Aerospace.

A map of Vertical’s New York network includes hubs at Newark Airport (EWR), Teterboro Airport (TEB), Downtown Skyport (Manhattan), John F Kennedy Airport (JFK) and East Hampton Airport (HTO).

Vertical AerospaceVertical said its plans could also include connections to MetLife Stadium via TEB, heliports such as West 30th Street or East 40th Street and sightseeing air tours of New York.

Medical transfers within New York are also part of considerations, including Westchester County Medical Center to New York University Langone.

“New York is a natural next step to explore how electric aviation could support urban and regional travel in the US, working with partners like Bristow and Skyports to keep safety, certification and real-world operations at the core,” said Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace.

Chris Bradshaw, President and CEO of Bristow Group, added: “Bristow operates complex aviation services all over the world, from offshore energy to government and passenger transport. Exploring future eVTOL use cases in a market like New York allows us to apply that operational experience to new, sustainable aviation concepts as the technology and regulatory environment continue to mature.”

Vertical’s UK network

On December 10, 2025, Vertical also announced plans to launch the UK’s first eVTOL network along with Skyports and Bristow Group.

The network would link Canary Wharf, a UK business hub, with major transport centers such as Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW) and Cambridge and Oxford.

The project would combine Valo with Skyports’ London Heliport, Bicester Vertiport and future UK skyport network and Bristow’s operational expertise and UK Air Operator Certificates (AOCs).

Vertical is targeting UK and US certification of its eVTOL in 2028, enabling entry into service in both regions. Vertical is also planning for validation from EASA.

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