Pioneering electric aviation with Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace is revolutionising urban travel with zero‑emission air-taxis, supported by adaptable, airside structures from Renthall UK.

Founded in Bristol in 2016, Vertical Aerospace is developing a new generation of electric vertical take‑off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The company has made significant progress across its flight‑test programme, using prototype data to shape the design and certification pathway for its next‑generation aircraft, Valo.

The future of flight

Cotswold Airport is home to Vertical’s full‑scale VX4 prototype, operating out of two 25m-span Rubb EFASS hangars.

Vertical’s VX4 prototypes have completed extensive piloted flight testing there, with recent test phases expanding the transition flight envelope and delivering key achievements across hover, acceleration, deceleration, and wingborne manoeuvres.

Alongside prototype testing, Vertical has introduced Valo: a next‑generation design shaped by insights from the VX4 programme. Designed for flights of up to 100 miles at speeds of up to 150 mph, Valo incorporates a premium cabin for four passengers at launch with a large cargo hold ideal for checked bags.

Together with Skyports and Bristow, Vertical has also announced plans for the UK’s first electric air‑taxi network, with proposed routes linking Canary Wharf to major transport hubs such as Heathrow, Gatwick, Cambridge, and Oxford. The first phase, targeted for 2029, aims to cut typical hour‑long road journeys to just 12 minutes by air.

Supporting Vertical Aerospace’s expanding test programme has required adaptable, reliable infrastructure. Rubb's EFASS hangars are designed precisely for fast deployment and high intensity operational environments, so it’s been a strong fit for their needs at Cotswold Airport.

Managing Director, Renthall UK
Andrew Knox

Our airside solution

With their frequent test flights, Vertical needed a robust hangar solution. In 2022, Renthall UK supplied a 25m‑span EFASS structure, originally designed to meet a stringent RAF compliance matrix. Previously used for offshore helicopter support, the hangar was fully refurbished and upgraded for deployment at Cotswold Airport.

The original framework and 21.5m Heli-Door was redeployed to the Vertical site, though the rest of the kit received substantial upgrades. New 150mm Thermohall® insulated cladding was installed, along with updated electrics to 18th Edition EICR compliance.

With ongoing aircraft development and the introduction of additional prototypes, Vertical required further hangar capacity in 2025. Renthall has now supplied a second brand‑new EFASS hangar to the same specification as the first structure.

This provides additional space to support the growing fleet and ensures continued operational flexibility for flight‑test activities at Cotswold Airport.

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