Electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer Vertical Aerospace could become one of the UK’s next major global exporters, according to a report.
In the November 2025 report, published by Frontier Economics, the findings suggest that Vertical Aerospace is set to drive $4 billion (£3 billion) a year in UK economic value by 2035.
The study claims that over the next decade Vertical Aerospace has the potential to create more than 2,000 jobs and generate nearly $12 billion (£9 billion) in annual revenue.
If Frontier Economics’ figures are realized, then Vertical Aerospace would be front and center of a major new industrial opportunity for the UK with around 90% of its income being generated from exports.
The report noted that Vertical Aerospace is already generating high value jobs, attracting foreign investment and strengthening supply chains across the South West and wider UK.
“Vertical Aerospace’s trajectory illustrates how an innovative business can act as a catalyst for economic growth, industrial capability and technological leadership. Vertical’s operations are well-aligned to help the government advance its Industrial Strategy and Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan and support its defense ambitions too through dual use of aircraft for military and civilian purposes,” said Andrew Leicester, Executive Director at Frontier Economics.
He added: “Our independent analysis found that Vertical is a critical anchor in the fast-growing eVTOL sector, and a significant contributor to the UK’s advanced manufacturing future, particularly in the West of England.”
On November 13, 2025, Vertical Aerospace announced it had entered the fourth and final flight test phase of its eVTOL prototype aircraft, having received a ‘Permit to Fly’ from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Vertical Aerospace completed prototype flight test phases 1, 2 and 3 earlier in the year, which included flying in open air space for the first time.
The developer is now looking for its first assembly and battery manufacturing sites, which may or may not be in the UK, with a decision on the location expected in the next six months.
“Frontier’s analysis confirms the UK is on the cusp of an exciting new industrial opportunity, with Vertical positioned to become a world-leading, multi-billion-pound advanced manufacturing business. We have a significant few months ahead as we work to make this vision a reality – starting with our most advanced stage of testing yet,” said Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace.
He added: “This report makes it clearer than ever what the opportunity is for Vertical and the UK – now is the time to deliver it.”
You can review the whole report on the Frontier Economics website.
