Businesswire·2026-02-10 10:00Core Insights - Vertical Aerospace has signed a strategic three-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AHQ Group and NIDC to develop an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the country's Vision 2030 initiative [1][2][3] Group 1: MoU and Strategic Goals - The MoU aims to explore opportunities in manufacturing localization, commercial eVTOL operations, and investment incentives to support Vertical's certification program and long-term growth [3][4] - Saudi Arabia is identified as a significant emerging market for AAM, with the potential to operate over 1,000 Valo aircraft, which is Vertical's leading commercial aircraft [3][4] Group 2: Role of Partners - AHQ Group will assist in evaluating the necessary industrial, commercial, and investment structures to create a scalable AAM ecosystem in Saudi Arabia [4] - The collaboration aims to position Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for electric aircraft manufacturing and AAM services, contributing to industrial diversification and job creation under Vision 2030 [4][5] Group 3: Aircraft Specifications - The Valo aircraft is designed to operate in hot climates, capable of flying up to 160 km at speeds of 240 km/h with zero operating emissions [6] - Valo is engineered for high payload capability and can perform in temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), making it suitable for the Saudi Arabian environment [6][11] Group 4: Company Background - Vertical Aerospace is focused on pioneering electric aviation, developing the Valo as a piloted, four-passenger eVTOL aircraft with zero operating emissions [7][9] - The company has approximately 1,500 pre-orders for Valo from customers across four continents, including major airlines [9]