Vertical Aerospace is helping to secure the UK’s place at the forefront of clean, advanced aviation, already generating real economic value and poised to become one of the country’s leading aerospace exporters by 2035.

Founded in Bristol in 2016, Vertical Aerospace designs and manufactures zero-emission and hybrid-electric aircraft that could transform how people and goods move regionally and internationally.

Our new analysis finds that , even before commercial roll-out, Vertical is driving investment, creating high-skill jobs and strengthening the UK’s position in next-generation aerospace manufacturing and technology.

Its presence is also catalysing growth across the South West’s established aerospace cluster, supporting local suppliers, universities and early-career engineers, and attracting global partners. The company’s activities directly support the UK’s goals for clean growth, advanced manufacturing and industrial innovation, as set out in the Modern Industrial Strategy and the Strategic Defence Review.

Key findings

• High-value employment: Vertical employs 479 people today and pays salaries  up to twice regional and sector averages. Employment could reach around 2,200 FTE roles by 2035.
• Exports and growth: By 2035, revenues are projected to approach £9bn annually, with around 90% from international sales. Vertical’s direct contribution to the UK economy in Gross Value Added (GVA) by then could be up to £3bn.
• Tax and investment: Even pre-commercialisation, Vertical is a net contributor to the UK Exchequer. By 2035, annual tax payments could near £800m. Around £400m of planned  investment is earmarked for new assembly and battery facilities.  To the extent that these are realised in the UK, these planned investments would further strengthen the UK’s advanced manufacturing base, skills and job creation, and reinforce domestic supply chains.
• Supply chain strength: Over 60% of procurement between 2022 and 2024 was retained in the UK, supporting roughly 720 additional jobs in the Bristol area and inducing around £21m in local spending.
• Regional impact: The company anchors the South West’s growing role as a hub for clean aerospace and advanced manufacturing, complementing major firms such as Airbus and Rolls-Royce.

Andrew Leicester, Frontier’s Executive Director for Public Policy, says:
“Vertical’s activities are well-aligned with the UK government’s priorities for industrial strategy, innovation, clean growth and defence. Our independent analysis reveals Vertical to be a critical anchor in the UK’s emerging AAM sector, particularly in the West of England. With sustained investment and supportive policy, Vertical could help shape the next generation of global aviation, while contributing significantly to the economy at both a regional and national level.”

Vertical’s journey shows how innovation-led manufacturing can strengthen regional economies, accelerate net zero goals and create new export opportunities for the UK.

This report was commissioned by Vertical Aerospace and provides an independent assessment of its UK-wide and regional economic contribution.

Read the full report to see how Vertical Aerospace is anchoring the UK’s next generation of flight.