UK electric technology company Vertical Aerospace has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with Aciturri Aerostructures (Aciturri), a global aerostructures supplier, to build the airframe for the VX4, Vertical's eVTOL aircraft.

Under the partnership agreement, Aciturri will supply the entire airframe, including the wing, empennage, pylons and fuselage, of both the pre-production and, subject to certification, the certified VX4 that will enter into service. In addition, Aciturri will also have engineering responsibility for several structural components and will provide concurrent manufacturing engineering for the airframe programme, providing the conditions for the VX4 to be built efficiently, reliably and at scale.

Aciturri brings nearly 50 years of experience in commercial aircraft programmes, including the design and manufacturing of major airframe components for Airbus, Boeing and Embraer, including the A320, B737 and Embraer KC-390, as well as proven experience developing airframes for eVTOL programmes, such as those for Eve Air Mobility and Lilium.

By combining the expertise of Vertical's engineering team with Aciturri's proven track record in high-quality aerospace manufacturing, this partnership continues Vertical's progress towards certification and scalable production of the VX4.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace says: “As we accelerate toward commercialisation, the VX4 demands an airframe built specifically for the unique challenges of eVTOL and the highest levels of safety certification. As a leading global supplier, Aciturri brings the world-class capability, agility and technical excellence we need to turn great designs into great aircraft. Its proven track record makes it the ideal partner as we advance our mission to deliver the safest, most versatile aircraft in the skies.”

Manuel Gonzalez Relaño, CEO at Aciturri Aerostructures, adds: “Aciturri and Vertical share a strong commitment to advancing the future of air mobility by redefining urban transport with sustainable electric flight. With Vertical's position as Europe's leading eVTOL company, we look forward to partnering together through development, certification and production to deliver a globally exportable and commercially viable eVTOL aircraft.”

This partnership reflects Vertical's strategy of initiating production with long-range parts purchasing, a key element of the company's Flightpath 2030 plan, as it moves to certification and production. It follows the announcement of Vertical's expanded partnership with Honeywell to supply flight control and aircraft management systems for the VX4 and builds on Vertical's recent milestone of completing its first airport to airport flights.