Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) picks Hyundai WIA to design Valo eVTOL landing gear

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Vertical Aerospace Ltd. entered a new long-term partnership with Hyundai WIA to design, develop and manufacture the bespoke landing gear system for Valo, its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Hyundai WIA will take end-to-end design and production responsibility, supported by UK engineering firm Stirling Dynamics.

The agreement strengthens Vertical’s supplier ecosystem as it advances Valo toward certification and commercialization, alongside existing partners such as Honeywell, Aciturri, Evolito, Syensqo and Isoclima. The company recently completed a two-way piloted transition flight and is progressing toward Critical Design Review, which will establish the certifiable design baseline for certification-conforming aircraft.

Key Figures

Valo pre-orders: c.1,500 pre-orders Valo capacity: four-passenger Hyundai WIA founding year: 1976 +1 more

4 metrics

Valo pre-orders c.1,500 pre-orders Valo aircraft demand across four continents

Valo capacity four-passenger Piloted eVTOL configuration

Hyundai WIA founding year 1976 Start of Hyundai WIA’s operations

Stirling Dynamics experience over three decades Landing gear and certified aircraft programmes

Key Terms

eVTOL, Critical Design Review (CDR), hybrid-electric variant, forward-looking statements, +1 more

5 terms

eVTOL technical

"Valo, Vertical’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft."

eVTOL stands for "electric vertical takeoff and landing" aircraft, which are small, electric-powered vehicles capable of taking off and landing vertically like a helicopter. They are designed to provide quick, on-demand transportation within cities or between locations, potentially transforming urban mobility. For investors, eVTOLs represent a growing segment of innovative transportation technology with potential for significant market impact and future growth.

Critical Design Review (CDR) technical

"Vertical is now progressing toward Critical Design Review (CDR), which establishes the certifiable design baseline"

hybrid-electric variant technical

"Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant, offering increased range and mission flexibility"

forward-looking statements regulatory

"This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995."

Forward-looking statements are predictions or plans that companies share about what they expect to happen in the future, like estimating sales or profits. They matter because they help investors understand a company's outlook, but since they are based on guesses and assumptions, they can sometimes be wrong.

Registration Statement on Form F-3 regulatory

"incorporated by reference into the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-3"

A registration statement on Form F-3 is a streamlined filing used by eligible foreign companies to register securities for sale in the U.S., often as a “shelf” that lets them offer shares quickly when market conditions are right. For investors it matters because it signals that the company can raise capital on short notice—potentially increasing liquidity but also the risk of share dilution if new stock is issued—similar to a company keeping a pre-approved credit line ready to use.

Form 6-K: How Foreign Companies Report to the SEC →

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13A-16 OR 15D-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of May 2026

Commission File Number: 001-41169

Vertical Aerospace Ltd.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Unit 1 Camwal Court, Chapel Street

Bristol BS2 0UW

United Kingdom

(Address of principal executive office)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F  x                 Form 40-F  ¨

INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS REPORT ON FORM 6-K

Long-Term Supplier Partnership with Hyundai WIA

Vertical Aerospace Ltd. (the “Company”), through its wholly owned subsidiary, Vertical Aerospace Group Limited, and Hyundai WIA Corporation (“Hyundai WIA”) entered into a new long-term agreement, for the design, development and manufacture of the landing gear for Valo, the Company’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Under the agreement, Hyundai WIA will develop and manufacture a bespoke landing gear system for Valo, with end-to-end design and production responsibility. Hyundai WIA has decades of advanced manufacturing and mobility experience and provides a lightweight, technically mature landing gear solution. 

Press Release

On May 21, 2026, the Company issued a press release in relation to the Company’s partnership with Hyundai WIA, a copy of which is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K (the “Form 6-K”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any express or implied statements contained in this Form 6-K that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding a long-term partnership with Hyundai WIA for the design, development and manufacture of the Valo landing gear, the design and manufacture of our aircraft and the hybrid-electric variant, certification and the commercialization of our aircraft and our ability to achieve regulatory certification of our aircraft product on any particular timeline or at all, the features and capabilities of the aircraft, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including the building and testing of our prototype aircrafts on timelines projected, completion of the piloted test programme phases, selection of suppliers, as well as statements that include the words “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “will,” “aim,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 24, 2026, as such factors may be updated from time to time in the Company’s other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this Form 6-K speak only as of the date hereof and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this Form 6-K, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than to the extent required by applicable law.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The information included in this Report on Form 6-K (excluding Exhibit 99.1) is hereby incorporated by reference into the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-270756, File No. 333-284763, File No. 333-287207, File No. 333-292448 and File No. 333-295988) (including any prospectuses forming a part of such registration statements) and to be a part thereof from the date on which this Report on Form 6-K is filed, to the extent not superseded by documents or reports subsequently filed or furnished.

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.		Description
99.1		Press release of Vertical Aerospace Ltd. dated May 21, 2026

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

	Vertical Aerospace Ltd.
Date: May 21, 2026	By:	/s/ Stuart Simpson
		Stuart Simpson
		Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 99.1

Vertical Aerospace Selects Hyundai WIA as Landing Gear Partner for Valo

· Hyundai WIA to supply advanced lightweight landing gear system for Valo aircraft

· Agreement strengthens Vertical’s supplier ecosystem as the Company advances toward certification and scaled production

LONDON & SEOUL — May 21, 2026 — Vertical Aerospace (“Vertical” or “Company”) (NYSE: EVTL), a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, today announced a new long-term partnership with Hyundai WIA, a subsidiary of Hyundai Corporation and a leading mobility and manufacturing company, to supply the landing gear system for Valo, Vertical’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Under the agreement, Hyundai WIA will develop and manufacture a bespoke landing gear system for Valo, with end-to-end design and production responsibility. Stirling Dynamics, a UK-based engineering company with more than 30 years’ experience supporting certified aircraft programmes, will support Hyundai WIA as a key design partner.

Hyundai WIA’s lightweight, technically mature landing gear solution, combined with decades of advanced manufacturing and mobility experience, makes the company a strong partner for Vertical’s next-generation aircraft.

The partnership further strengthens Vertical’s supplier ecosystem as the Company advances toward certification and commercialization of Valo.

Vertical has now secured key suppliers across major aircraft systems, including Honeywell (flight control and aircraft management systems), Aciturri (airframe structures), Evolito (electric propulsion units), Syensqo (composite materials), and Isoclima (transparencies). The Hyundai WIA agreement marks another important step in establishing a world-class aerospace supply chain for scaled production.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said: “As we advance toward certification and industrialization, securing world-class suppliers remains central to our strategy. Hyundai WIA brings deep expertise in advanced manufacturing and high-integrity systems, further strengthening the industrial foundation supporting Valo’s path to commercial service.”

Ho-Young Lee, Vice President of Hyundai WIA, said: “We are proud to partner with Vertical Aerospace on the Valo programme and support the development of next-generation electric aviation. We look forward to working closely with Vertical and Stirling Dynamics to deliver a robust, innovative landing gear solution that meets the highest safety standards and performance.”

The announcement follows Vertical’s successful completion of two-way piloted transition flight, a key technical milestone validating the aircraft’s technology and core operating mode.

Vertical is now progressing toward Critical Design Review (CDR), which establishes the certifiable design baseline and enables the build and test of certification-conforming aircraft. Completion of CDR will lock key design elements, supply chain configuration and certification partner selection ahead of full-scale certification testing and commercial production.

About Hyundai WIA

Founded in 1976, HYUNDAI WIA has been developing and producing cutting-edge products in automobile parts, mobility solutions, aerospace and defense industry solutions to become a global leader in the comprehensive machinery mobility industry.

Stirling Dynamics

Stirling Dynamics is an advanced engineering company that provides high-end engineering products and services and is renowned for its specialist landing gear design services to certified platforms and the Advanced Air Mobility sector. With over three decades of experience the company has accumulated a wealth of knowledge on multiple aircraft and marine platforms, delivered to civil and military programmes around the globe.

About Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation. Vertical is creating a safer, cleaner, and quieter way to travel. Valo is a piloted, four-passenger, Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with zero operating emissions. Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant, offering increased range and mission flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the advanced air mobility market.

Vertical combines partnerships with leading aerospace companies, including Honeywell, Syensqo and Aciturri, with its own proprietary battery and propeller technology to develop the world’s most advanced and safest eVTOL.

Vertical has c.1,500 pre-orders of Valo, with customers across four continents, including American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL and Japan Airlines. Certain customer obligations are expected to be fulfilled via third-party agreements. Headquartered in Bristol, UK, Vertical’s experienced leadership team comes from top-tier aerospace and automotive companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GM, and Leonardo. Together, they have previously certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any express or implied statements contained in this Form 6-K that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding a long-term partnership with Hyundai WIA for the design, development and manufacture of the Valo landing gear, the design and manufacture of our aircraft and the hybrid-electric variant, certification and the commercialization of our aircraft and our ability to achieve regulatory certification of our aircraft product on any particular timeline or at all, the features and capabilities of the aircraft, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including the building and testing of our prototype aircrafts on timelines projected, completion of the piloted test programme phases, selection of suppliers, as well as statements that include the words “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “will,” “aim,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 24, 2026, as such factors may be updated from time to time in the Company’s other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this Form 6-K speak only as of the date hereof and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this Form 6-K, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than to the extent required by applicable law.

Vertical Aerospace Media Contact

Justin Bates, Head of Communications

justin.bates@vertical-aerospace.com

+44 7878 357 463

Samuel Emden, Head of Investor Affairs

samuel.emden@vertical-aerospace.com

+44 7816 459 904

Hyundai WIA Media Contact

Hoseung Kwak, Head of Communication Team

hoski84@hyundai-wia.com

+82 31 596 1207

FAQ

What did Vertical Aerospace (EVTL) announce in its latest Form 6-K?

Vertical Aerospace announced a long-term partnership with Hyundai WIA to design, develop and manufacture the bespoke landing gear system for its Valo eVTOL aircraft, giving Hyundai WIA end-to-end design and production responsibility and strengthening Vertical’s broader supplier ecosystem.

Who is Hyundai WIA and what will it provide to Vertical Aerospace (EVTL)?

Hyundai WIA is a subsidiary of Hyundai Corporation focused on mobility and manufacturing. Under the agreement, it will develop and manufacture a lightweight, technically mature landing gear system for Valo, taking full design and production responsibility, supported by specialist engineering firm Stirling Dynamics.

How does the Hyundai WIA partnership support Valo’s certification plans for EVTL?

The partnership secures a key system supplier as Vertical advances toward certification and commercialization of Valo. With landing gear responsibilities assigned and other major suppliers in place, Vertical is progressing toward Critical Design Review, which will define the certifiable design baseline for future certification testing.

Which other key suppliers are working with Vertical Aerospace (EVTL) on Valo?

Vertical has secured suppliers across major aircraft systems, including Honeywell for flight control and aircraft management, Aciturri for airframe structures, Evolito for electric propulsion units, Syensqo for composite materials, and Isoclima for transparencies, building a broad aerospace supply chain around Valo.

What recent technical milestones has Vertical Aerospace (EVTL) achieved for Valo?

Vertical recently completed a two-way piloted transition flight, a key technical milestone validating Valo’s technology and operating mode. The company is now progressing toward Critical Design Review, which will lock the design baseline and enable build and test of certification-conforming aircraft.

What is Valo, the aircraft developed by Vertical Aerospace (EVTL)?

Valo is a piloted, four-passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft with zero operating emissions. Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant to increase range and mission flexibility, targeting evolving demands in the advanced air mobility market across multiple regions.

How many pre-orders does Vertical Aerospace (EVTL) have for Valo?

Vertical reports approximately 1,500 pre-orders for Valo from customers across four continents, including airlines and operators such as American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL and Japan Airlines, with certain customer obligations expected to be fulfilled through third-party agreements.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

1 document

Press Releases

• EX-99.1 EXHIBIT 99.1 14.6 KB