Vertical Set to Padel and Make Waves in Miami Beach

Vertical Aerospace continues its U.S. tour with a display of their luxurious Valo eVTOL in Miami Beach on February 24–25, a month after Valo’s historic North American debut in Manhattan, New York City on the 22nd and 23rd of January 2026.

Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava expressed her excitement of Vertical bringing advanced air mobility to Miami-Dade County:

“I am thrilled about Vertical Aerospace’s plans to make Miami-Dade County one of the first areas in the country with advanced air mobility. This development moves our community closer to the future of air travel, enhanced connectivity, and new economic opportunities for Miami-Dade County. MIA and our general aviation airports are some of the busiest airports in the country for private aviation, which makes Miami-Dade County the perfect launch site for AAM.” – Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava

Tee time🏌⛳🛺 or tea time 🍵🍃, whatever is your cup of tea🫖, Valo offers fun over gridlock, and views of Biscayne Bay at sunset. Now that’s golden! 🌅

“Valo offers a new way to experience Miami – turning time lost in traffic into time gained. Imagine landing near Fort Lauderdale and reaching your tee time without touching I-95. Leaving Miami for Palm Beach after lunch and being back for sunset. Or taking a quiet electric flight over Biscayne Bay as the skyline turns gold. As electric aviation moves closer to commercialisation, we are working with our customers and operating partners to deliver real-world connections that are faster, cleaner and designed around the passenger.” – Stuart Simpson, CEO at Vertical Aerospace

• Headquartered in Bristol, England 🇬🇧
• NYSE: EVTL
• Established in 2016
• Founded by Stephen Fitzpatrick (Founder of Ovo Energy and former owner of F1 Manor Racing team)
• CEO: Stuart Simpson
• Chairman: Dómhnal Slattery
• Manufacturer of Valo all-electric eVTOL
• Plans for future hybrid-electric powered eVTOL capable of 1,000 mile range

eVTOL buzz attended the North American debut of Valo in Manhattan, New York City, on January 22nd and 23rd of this year, and made a video showcasing the beauty of the Valo’s exterior with a walk around (watch below):

Valo

• 100 mile range
• 150 mph top speed
• Up to 6 passengers
• Airliner-level safety certification in 2028
  • Airliner-level safety standards (UK/EU 10-⁹; CAA/EASA, SC-VTOL Category Enhanced)
• Quiet performance (<50 dBA in cruise)
• Room for six cabin bags and six checked bags
• 550 kg / 1,200 lbs total payload

Valo’s luxurious interior spares nothing for ultimate comfort (watch our video below):

Luggage Capacity

Vertical’s Valo literally carries it forward, allowing passengers not having to compromise on luggage capacity when traveling to different destinations.

While attending the North American debut of Valo, in Manhattan, New York City, eVTOL buzz made a video showing just how impressive the luggage capacity is on the Valo (watch below):

“Valo sets a new standard – bigger, safer and more capable than anything in the sector. It’s a breakthrough for aviation and a clear sign of the UK’s leadership in aerospace. Valo embodies the best of Vertical – precision engineering, passenger-first design and deep collaboration with global aerospace partners – creating an aircraft with the most compelling operator economics.” – Domhnal Slattery, Chair, Vertical Aerospace

“With the launch of Valo, Vertical moves from prototype developer to aerospace manufacturer. Valo is the aircraft that turns electric flight into a commercial reality – clean, quiet, fast and engineered for everyday service. It marks a new dawn in transport, one that will connect people in minutes, not hours.” – Stuart Simpson, CEO, Vertical Aerospace

Miami’s Vertiport Network: Going Vertical with Fun in the Sun

Vertical Aerospace has made partnerships with key international airports and executive airports.

International Airports:

• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)

Miami International Airport (MIA)

• Founded in 1928
• 45 million passenger arrivals per year
•  Welcomes 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida
• Gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean
  • More flights than any other U.S. airport
• Top U.S. airport for international freight
• Generates $30.9 billion annually in business revenue for Miami-Dade county

Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)

• Opened in 1936
• Over 200 daily nonstop arrivals and departures to US, Canada, and Carribbean
• 3rd Best U.S. Airport in Travel + Leisure Magazine’s 2024 World’s Best Awards
• 5th Best Airport in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

• 700 daily flights
• 135 domestic and international destinations
• 1,380 acres (558 ha)
• 2 runways
• 4 terminals (5th set to be completed mid 2026)

Executive Airports:

• Boca Raton Airport (BCT)
• Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE)
• Miami Executive (TMB)
• Miami Opa-Locka Executive (OPF)
• Stuart Witham Field Airport (SUA)

Atlantic Aviation

• Headquartered in Plano, Texas
• CEO: Jeff Foland
• Over 100 FBOs across 30 states
• Services:
  • Fueling
  • Deicing
  • Lav service
  • Quick turns
  • Air Start*
  • GPU*

Signature and UrbanV’s Joint Venture

On the 12th of June 2025, Signature Aviation and UrbanV announced that they signed a Joint Venture (JV) to rapidly build vertiports networks in Florida, New York, California, and Texas which will then be expanded across the United States. Being thatMiami is in Florida, this Joint Venture (JV) between Signature and UrbanV has manifested with vertiports being planned at Miami Executive Airport (TMB), Miami International Airport (MIA), and Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

“This joint venture agreement is a major step in the development of AAM infrastructure for the United States. We have the ambition to become a major global operator of vertiport networks and we will pioneer the establishment of some of the first AAM routes. By leveraging UrbanV’s expertise in vertiport development and Signature Aviation’s established network of private aviation terminals, we are laying the foundations for seamless, efficient, and sustainable short-distance aerial transport in the United States.” – Carlo Tursi, CEO at UrbanV

“Our partnership with UrbanV elevates our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and most importantly, our guests. As we bring together our expertise, resources, and strategy, we’re focused on driving the adoption of advanced air mobility, while also establishing the safe, seamless, and efficient infrastructure needed for the development of vertiports.“ – Tony Lefebvre, Chief Executive Officer, Signature Aviation

Signature Aviation

• Headquarters: Orlando, Florida
• Founded in 1879
• CEO: Tony Lefebvre
• Over 200 aviation terminals globally
  • United States
  • Canada
  • Europe
  • Asia
  • Africa
  • Latin America
  • Caribbean
• Services:
  • Business Aviation
  • Airline & Cargo
  • International Flights
  • Military & Government Flights
  • Specialty Charter Flights

Urban V

• Founded by:
  • Aeroporti di Roma
  • SAVE Group
  • Aeroporto di Bologna
  • Aeroports de la Côte d’Azur
• Services:
  • Planning and design of Vertiports
    • Consultancy activities in the AAM and UAM sectors including feasibility study, design of vertiports
  • Infrastructure building
    • Construction, renovation and of vertiport infrastructures
  • Vertiport network operations
    • Vertiport administrative, technical and commercial management
    • Maintenance of vertiport infrastructures
    • Provision, individually or in cooperation with other subjects, of ground and/or in-flight services to passengers and commercial operators using the services of AAM and UAM

Stand-alone Vertiport Locations:

• North Bay Village Skyport
• Watson Bay Skyport

Both the North Bay Village and Watson Bay stand-alone vertiports will be built and operated by Skyports.

Skyports Infrastructure

• Founded in 2018
• Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company
• Designs, obtains permits and builds vertiports
• Operates vertiport networks globally
• Technology
  • Landside terminal management
  • Airside resource management
  • Operational status supervision
  • Data integration

A Work of Art: Valo on Display at the Bass Museum of Art

The streamlined exterior and beautiful interior makes Valo a work of art. This makes it no surprise that Valo will be presented to the public in Miami Beach, at the Bass Museum of Art.

Those who want to see this exhibit of what superb aerospace engineering can accomplish, should come to Collins Park, at the Bass Museum on the 24th and 25th of February, and get peak a few years before Valo will artfully fly in the expansive canvas of the sky above Miami.

The Bass Museum of Art

• Miami Beach’s contemporary art museum
• Focuses on exhibitions of international contemporary art
• Exhibits incorporate facets of contemporary culture, such as:
  • Design
  • Fashion
  • Architecture
• Community Outreach
  • Bass IDEAS education initiative
    • Art in early childhood education
  • STEAM+
    • Partnership wtih Miami-Dade County Public Schools
• Collins Park
  • Designed by John A. Collins
  • Venue for Valo’s debut in Miami
    • Free to attend by the public, February 24–25

iConnections: From Seed to Scale, Branching into Growth

iConnections is a global alternative investment platform that connects institutional allocators, fund managers and capital seekers through a combination of technology, data-driven matchmaking and large-scale industry events. Designed to streamline capital introduction, it facilitates curated one-on-one meetings and long-term relationship building across sectors such as private equity, private credit, hedge funds, venture capital and real assets. By blending a year-round digital network with in-person conferences, iConnections has become a hub for sophisticated investors looking to deploy capital into differentiated opportunities.

For Vertical Aerospace, which is developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, access to that ecosystem could be strategically significant. Scaling advanced aerospace technology requires substantial, patient capital to fund certification, manufacturing expansion and commercial rollout. While Vertical’s business plan is solid, and makes strategic and efficient use of the capital it has on hand, and the top notch capabilities of its industrial partners, additional investment can bring further opportunities to take Vertical to the altitude best serving an innovative global eVTOL OEM.

Through iConnections, Vertical Aerospace could engage directly with institutional investors whose mandates align with long-duration innovation, sustainability, community connections, and transportation disruptor themes, helping the company secure not just funding, but long-term partners capable of supporting its path from prototype to commercial flight.

iConnections

• Dynamic capital connection platform
• 500k+ Messages exchanged annually
• 60k+ Fund documents downloaded by LPs annually
• 1.2k+ Active monthly GPs – 650+ active monthly LPs

Global Alts Miami 2026: Where iConnections Take Root

Global Alts Miami 2026

• Largest cap intro event in the world
• Provides face-to-face meetings with the allocators and managers
• 20k Meetings
• 5k Attendees
• 1.2k LPs
• 850 GPs
• 200 Speakers

Fellow AAM and UAS Attendees and Speakers

At 9:00 AM ET on Tuesday the 24th of February, there will be a fireside chat with Joe Lonsdale of 8VC and Ron Biscardi CEO & Co-Founder of iConnections. Joe Lonsdale was an early investor in Anduril (8VC is a major investor), Oculus, and is also the co-Founder of Palantir. Anduril, as readers know is a company making autonomous drones, and Palantir has been involved in the eVTOL sector as well.

Keller Cliffton Co-Founder & CEO of Zipline will not only be in attendance, but will be a speaker at The Future of Logistics: A Chat with Keller Cliffton & Antonio Gracias talk with Antonio Gracias, Founder, CEO, and CIO of Valor Equity Partners on Tuesday the 24th of February at 2:30 PM ET.

Zipline

• Headquartered in South San Francisco, California, U.S.
• CEO: Keller Rinaudo Cliffton
• Founders:
  • Keller Rinaudo Cliffton
  • Keenan Wyrobek
  • Ryan Oksenhorn
  • William Hetzler
• Countries served:
  • United States
    • Texas
    • Arkansas
    • Washington (State)
  • Ghana
  • Rwanda
  • Nigeria
  • Kenya
  • Cote D’Ivoire

There’s Space for EVTL: ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF (ARKX)

ARK Invest, with their ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF (ARKX) has heavily invested into companies that are either eVTOL OEMs, suppliers, or operators. Vertical Aerospace’s partners and suppliers Honeywell (market value of $8,410,336.87 as of Feb 21, 2026 ) and Dassault Systemes (market value of $4,971,569.16 as of Feb 21, 2026) are included in ARKX. Now what’s left is for ARKX to include Vertical (EVTL) into their portfolio.

ARK Invest

• Headquarters:
  • Global: St. Petersburg, Florida
  • UK/EU: London, England, UK
• Manages several actively managed exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
  • ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF (ARKX)
    • Archer Aviation Inc-A
      • $32,888,040.90 (Feb 21, 2026)
    • Joby Aviation Inc
      • $16,429,653.25 (Feb 21, 2026)
    • Strata Critical Medical Inc
      • $11,260,749.40 (Feb 21, 2026)
    • Palantir Technologies Inc
      • $21,723,090.27 (Feb 21, 2026)
    • NVIDIA Corp
      • $16,818,177.40 (Feb 21, 2026)
    • L3HARRIS Technologies Inc
      • $67,226,477.90 (Feb 21, 2026)
    • Garmin LTD
      • $11,594,090.20 (Feb 21, 2026)
    • Honeywell International Inc
      • $8,410,336.87 (Feb 21, 2026)
    • Lockheed Martin Corp
      • $8,230,731.99 (Feb 21, 2026)
    • Airbus SE
      • $6,357,035.88 (Feb 21, 2026)
    • Dassault Systemes SE
      • $4,971,569.16 (Feb 21, 2026)

Dassault Systemes made a great video interviewing Vertical CTO Michael Cervenka (watch below):

“We’re in the process of writing a new chapter in the aviation industry. We’re working with emerging technologies, including intuitive and safe flight control technologies from Honeywell. At the same time, we’re defining a new certification basis and collaborating with leading companies around the globe. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform will help us to develop and share the critical steps of requirements, ensure we’re developing the aircraft according to those requirements, do validation and also manage the certification of the aircraft with the authorities. It’s a one-stop shop and single source of truth for Vertical Aerospace and our business partners that allows us to work concurrently wherever we are in the world.” – Eric Samson, at the time Head of Engineering at Vertical Aerospace, currently Vice President, Prototype and Hybrid Aircraft Programmes at Vertical Aerospace

“We have long believed in the importance of advanced air mobility and the significant potential we can unlock by harnessing our deep expertise in integrated avionics and flight controls in new and exciting ways. With a shared commitment to innovation, reliability and safety, we’re excited to deepen our partnership with Vertical to help scale the technology necessary to bring even more advanced, efficient, safe and reliable solutions to the skies.” –  David Shilliday, Vice President and General Manager of Advanced Air Mobility at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies

“As we accelerate toward global certification and scalable production, Honeywell’s aerospace expertise and proven track record in flight-critical systems make it the ideal partner for this next phase. By integrating production-ready technologies, we’re helping build an aircraft that meets the highest safety standards in aviation, solidifying its certifiability and exportability across global markets.” –  Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank and the eVTOL Connection

Tomohiko Mae, CFA, Investment Research Analyst at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank will be a speaker at the talk titled: The New Japan Playbook: From Fundraising to Footprint in Tokyo held on Tuesday the 24th of February at 9:30 AM ET as well as at the “Japan Insider” Roundtable held the next day at 2:30 PM ET, which is sponsored by FinCity.Tokyo. David Semaya, Executive Chairman & Representative Director at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management will also speak at this roundtable.

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, is Japan’s largest trust bank and is owned by Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group, Inc., one of the financial arms of Sumitomo Group. Fellow Sumitomo Group member, Sumitomo Corporation holds Soracle, in a joint venture with Japan Airlines. Soracle is an eVTOL air-taxi provider, with aspirations to be Japan’s first commercial eVTOL operator.

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank (SuMi TRUST) 

• Japan’s largest trust bank
• Largest asset managers in Japan with AUM of USD 453 billion (2015)
• Asset Management Business
  • Asset Management
  • Equity Investment
  • Investment Research
  • Fixed Income Investment
  • Passive and Quantitive Investment
  • Alternative Assets Investment
  • Global Fiduciary Business
  • Asset Services
  • Asset Services Promotion
• Risk Management
  • Fiduciary Risk Management
  • Compliance

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management (SuMi TRUST AM)

• One of the largest asset managers in Japan
• AUM of USD 633 billion in assets managed (as of end of March 2025)
•  Offices in:
  • Tokyo
  • London
  • Luxembourg
  • New York
  • Hong Kong
  • Singapore

Soracle

• Headquartered in Chug City, Tokyo 🇯🇵
• Established June 2024
• 50/50 Joint venture between Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation
• 200 million yen in capital
• Representative Directors: Yukihiro Ota and Toshihiro Sasaki
• eVTOL air taxi service provider
• Plans to use Archer Midnight eVTOLs in its fleet
• Stated goal of launching Japan’s first commercial operation of eVTOL

Sumitomo Corporation

• Headquartered in Ōtemachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan 🇯🇵
• Founded on 24th of December 1919
• President and CEO: Shingo Ueno
• Member of Sumitomo Group

LCI Sold to Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd. (SMFL)

Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company (SMFL)

• Locations:
  • London
  • Dublin
  • Luxembourg
  • Beijing
  • Seoul
  • Nanjing/Shanghai
  • Hong Kong
  • Singapore
  • Bangkok
  • Jakarta
• Chairman of the Board: Norihiko Nonaka
• President: Tetsuro Imaeda
• Businesses:
  • Domestic Leasing Business
  • Global Environment Business
  • Real Estate Business
  • Transportation Business
    • SMFL LCI Helicopters Limited (“SMFLH”)
      • 90% SMFL
      • 10% LCI
    • LCI
      • 35% SMFL
      • 65% Libra Group (sold to SMFL in Feb 2026, giving SMFL full ownership of LCI)
  • Overseas Business etc.

Another Sumitomo Group member, Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company (SMFL), formed a joint venture with LCI, a subsidiary of New York-based Libra Group. This joint venture SMFL LCI Helicopters Limited (“SMFLH”), was started in September 2020 with the procurement of 19 advanced helicopters having a combined worth of $230 million. SMFL acquired a 35% stake in LCI in 2023. To date LCI and SMFL together have acquired 320 helicopters since its founding in 2020. SMFLH acquired Macquarie Rotorcraft Limited (“MRL”), Macquarie Asset Management’s helicopter leasing business in March 2025, making it the second largest helicopter lessor in the world. LCI recently was acquired by Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company on February 20, 2026. Being that SMFLH and LCI both have a large fleet of helicopters, with LCI formerly having a deal to purchase 125 eVTOLs from BETA Technologies which transferred to Libra Group’s Space Leasing International (SLI), it makes sense that there is potential for Vertical’s Valo to enter both SMLH and LCI’s fleets as these companies scale across the globe. Maybe Global Alts Miami will be the place for planting these seeds for sprouting partnerships between Vertical Aerospace and branches of Sumitomo Group.

Libra Group

• Headquartered in New York City, NY
• Privately owned
• Executive Chairman: George Logothetis
• Operates businesses in:
  • Aerospace
    • LCI
      • Sold to Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd. (SMFL) on 20th of February 2026
    • SLI (Space Leasing International)
      • Space and AAM
      • Deal for 125 BETA Technologies Alia eVTOLs transferred from LCI to LSI after sale of LCI to SMFL
  • Renewable energy
  • Hotels and hospitality services
    • Will build vertiports at Aria Hotels in Greece and signed lease in 2022 for fleet of 10 BETA Technologies ALIA eVTOLs operated by LCI (Now SLI)
  • Real estate
  • Maritime
  • Diversified investments

LCI

• Premier helicopter lessor
• 2nd largest helicopter lessor in the world
• Fleet of roughly 320 helicopters with SMFL 
  • 120 from Macquarie Rotorcraft Limited (“MRL”)
  • 150 helicopters from LCI
  • 75 helicopters from SMFLH
• Operations office in Dublin, Ireland
• Corporate Leasing office in London, England, UK
• Singapore Affiliate Office in Singapore
• Signatory of Aircraft Leasing Ireland’s (ALI) Sustainability Charter
• eVTOL fleet
  • Set to acquire up to 40 Elroy Air Chaparral hybrid eVTOL cargo aircraft
  • Will acquire up to 125 BETA Technologies ALIA-250 eVTOL aircraft
• Sold to Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd. (SMFL) on 20th of February 2026
• SMFL LCI Helicopters Limited (“SMFLH”)
  • Was joint venture between LCI and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company
  • Acquired Macquarie Rotorcraft Limited (“MRL”), Macquarie Asset Management’s helicopter leasing business in March 2025
    • Global helicopter leasing company
    • Covers nearly 60 countries
    • 120 leased aircraft
    • Operates in:
      • Offshore transportation
      • Emergency medical services
      • Search and rescue
      • Utility markets

Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines isn’t just involved with eVTOLs through Soracle (its joint venture with Sumitomo Corporation). Japan Airlines made an agreement with Avolon-e, a subsidiary of Avolon to obtain the right to purchase or lease up to 50 Vertical Aerospace eVTOL aircraft from Avolon, with the option to purchase or lease up to 50 more. At the time the VX4 was referenced, but we now can see that these eVTOLs will be Valo models.

Japan Airlines (JAL), a global leader in aviation, brings decades of expertise in passenger service, operations, and maintenance to the partnership. With its extensive network and reputation for high-quality service, JAL is an ideal partner for the development and scaling of an air taxi operation.

Japan Airlines (JAL)

• Headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo 🇯🇵
• Founded in 1951
• Provides passenger and cargo services to 220 destinations in 35 countries worldwide
• CEO: Mitsuko Tottori
• Chairman: Yuji Akasaka
• Has right to purchase or lease up to 50 Vertical Aerospace eVTOL aircraft from Avolon, with the option to purchase or lease up to 50 more

Avolon

• Established in May 2010
• Founded by Dómhnal Slattery and a team from RBS Aviation Capital
• Second largest aircraft lessor in the world
• Fleet of 851 aircraft
• Serving 146 airline customers in 62 countries
• In 2021, ordered 500 eVTOL VX4 aircraft from Vertical Aerospace (US$2 billion)

“We continue to identify partners who share the same vision to revolutionise air travel through zero emissions eVTOL aircraft and shape the future of travel. This latest long-term partnership with JAL aligns us with one of Japan’s leading airlines on their journey to sustainability and to decarbonizing air transport. The VA-X4 will be certified to CAA and EASA’s stringent safety regulations. We believe JAL’s multi-decade experience will prove invaluable as Vertical seeks type certificate validation with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau, demonstrating that the VA-X4 will be a global eVTOL, unconstrained by borders.” – Dómhnal Slattery, speaking at the time as Avolon CEO (20th of October, 2021)

“Today’s announcement represents an important step towards the social implementation of Air Taxi at Osaka Kansai EXPO in 2025. Our partnership with Avolon, lays out the pathway towards achieving Air Mobility revolution in Japan. The introduction of VA-X4 will also contribute to reduce our environmental impact and we fundamentally believe that sustainability will be the engine for future growth across our business and region. We look forward to collaborating closely with Avolon and Vertical on the roadmap to certification for the VA-X4 with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau.” – Tomohiro Nishihata, Managing Executive Officer of Japan Airlines (20th of October, 2021)

Making Japan Go Vertical with Marubeni in Osaka Bay

Vertical Aerospace has taken their own step towards commercial eVTOL operations in Japan, expanding its partnership with Marubeni Corporation to develop future electric air taxi routes and prepare for piloted demonstration flights in the Osaka Bay area beginning in 2026.

Announced at the 2026 Singapore Airshow, the update signals growing momentum behind Vertical’s Valo aircraft programme in Japan, combining early commercial commitments with steady regulatory progress. iConnections‘ Global Alts Miami 2026 may provide further opportunities to generate exposure and awareness of Vertical as a leader in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector.

Marubeni

• Founded: 1858 (as a trading business); legally established as Marubeni in 1949
• Headquarters: Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
• CEO / President: Masayuki Omoto (current chief executive)
• Industry: Large Japanese general trading company (sōgō shōsha)
• Business Activities: Global import/export and domestic business covering:
  • Lifestyle & consumer products
  • Food & agriculture
  • Energy & metals
  • Chemicals
  • Power & infrastructure
  • Industrial machinery
  • Mobility
  • Finance
  • ICT
  • Resource development
  • Also investment and services worldwide
• Employees: ~50,000 (global group)

“Japan combines strong regulatory leadership, advanced infrastructure and trusted industrial partners, making it one of the most promising markets globally for Advanced Air Mobility. Our partnership with Marubeni and engagement with JCAB demonstrate our careful, step-by-step approach to developing real-world Valo operations, grounded in safety, certification and public acceptance.” – Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace (3rd of February, 2026)

“We are pleased to take this next step with Vertical Aerospace as we progress toward demonstration flying in Japan. By advancing route development in the Kansai region, we see significant opportunities to build the operating infrastructure and ecosystem required to accelerate AAM adoption.” – Toru Okazaki, Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Aerospace & Mobility Division, Marubeni Corporation (3rd of February, 2026)

Padel Is Serious Business

As part of iConnections‘ Global Alts Miami 2026, Vertical, which is a Silver Sponsor of the event, is sponsoring a padel outing on Monday, the 23rd of February from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM ET at Ultra Padel Club.

Ultra Padel Club

• Padel courts
  • Indoor courts
  • Outdoor courts
• Players of all levels
• Book:
  • Courts
  • Clinics
  • Private lessons
  • Tournaments
• Locations:
  • Miami – Magic City
  • Aventura

NBAA Miami-Opa locka Regional Forum

The partners in Vertical’s Miami vertiport network, Atlantic Aviation and Signature Aviation are sponsors of the National Business Aviation Association’s Miami-Opa-Locka Regional Forum.

Pivoting Vertical Towards Sunshine and Success

Vertical has completed many milestones successfully, and its U.S. Tour is about showing what an eVTOL OEM from across the Atlantic has accomplished and the opportunities it brings to the United States. From a great gathering in Manhattan right before a large part of the country was frozen, to tropical conditions in Miami, and subtropical Atlanta, Vertical Aerospace is making its mark in the United States and across the globe.

As more communities learn about eVTOLs and the safety, prosperity and connectivity they bring, the world will be ready to go Vertical!

Stay tuned to eVTOL buzz for more in-depth articles about eVTOLs and Advanced Air Mobility that you won’t be able to get anywhere else; where the “buzz” takes you further than press releases and into the deep topics that matter most in the eVTOL industry.

More Info:

Vertical Aerospace Brings Valo to Miami, Showcasing the Future of Electric Inter-City Travel: Click here

The Bass Museum (Official website): click here

Global Alts Miami 2026 (Official website): click here

iConnections (Official website): click here

Palm Beach International Airport (Official website): click here

Ultra Padel Club (Official website): click here

iConnections Fact sheet: click here

Japan Airlines selects Vertical Aerospace’s VA-X4 from Avolon’s orderbook: click here

Libra Group (official website): click here

LCI (Libra Group): click here

Signing of Agreement for the Acquisition of Macquarie Rotorcraft Limited: click here

LCI and Sumitomo Mitsui agree $230m joint venture: click here

Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd. (SMFL) To Acquire Stake in Libra Group Aviation Subsidiary, LCI: click here

LCI and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited LCI Investment Limited Signing of Agreement for the Acquisition of Macquarie Rotorcraft: click here

LCI Signs Agreement With Elroy Air For A Committed Order Of Up To 40 Chaparral Vtol Aircraft: click here

LCI signs agreement with Beta Technologies for a committed order of up to 125 eVTOL aircraft: click here

Libra Group Sells LCI to SMFL; SLI to Lead Libra Group’s Aerospace Future: click here

Aria Hotels to Construct eVTOL Vertiports: click here

Aria Hotels: click here

eVTOL Design and Simulation: click here

Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company (SMFL): click here

Palmer Luckey, backed by Palantir’s Lonsdale, to launch crypto-focused bank: click here

Erebor Bank receives national bank charter: click here

Hobbit-Inspired Startup Becomes First New Bank Greenlighted by Trump 2.0: click here

Silicon Valley’s new bank is a Columbus startup: click here

Vertical Aerospace is building its revolutionary electric aircraft and defining its processes on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform: click here

Dassault Systems Case Study – Vertical Aerospace: click here

UrbanV and Signature Aviation Sign JV Agreement to Develop Networks of Vertiports in the U.S.: click here