Sigma Air Mobility has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Vertical Aerospace covering the intended purchase of Vertical's Valo eVTOL aircraft and supporting the path from aircraft acquisition and operational testing through to the launch of commercial electric air mobility services.

The agreement also establishes a framework for collaboration on aircraft operations, commercial readiness and customer requirements, expanding Vertical's network of commercial operators and strategic partners preparing for the introduction of electric aviation.

Michael Cervenka, chief commercial and strategy officer at Vertical, says: “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.

“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.”

Sigma Air Mobility is supported by the Luxaviation Group, which manages a global fleet of more than 200 business aircraft and, through ExecuJet, operates an FBO network with more than 100 locations worldwide.

Christophe Lapierre, CEO of Sigma Air Mobility, says: “The transition to advanced air mobility will require collaboration between experienced operators and leading aircraft developers. This strategic agreement takes us beyond the aircraft, furthering a vision to democratise air mobility while providing the ecosystem to support it.”

Vertical says it has approximately 1,500 pre-orders for the Valo across four continents, including from American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL and Japan Airlines. The announcement follows continued progress towards Critical Design Review (CDR), ahead of certification-conforming aircraft production and testing.