Vertical Aerospace and Héli Air Monaco Partner to Bring Electric Air Mobility to the French Riviera
Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology innovator leading the transition to electric aviation, has announced a significant new partnership with Héli Air Monaco, the pioneering helicopter operator that has shaped air mobility in the French Riviera for decades. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the pre-order of Vertical’s newly unveiled Valo electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The agreement marks the start of a new era of sustainable aviation along the Côte d’Azur—one of Europe’s most iconic and heavily travelled luxury destinations.
The announcement coincides with the official unveiling of the Valo aircraft in London. Designed to deliver a premium cabin experience and advanced performance, the Valo is expected to achieve concurrent certification with both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in 2028. The aircraft represents Vertical Aerospace’s next major step in bringing commercially viable, zero-operating-emission electric flight to global markets.
A Strategic Partnership for the Riviera
Under the newly signed MoU, Héli Air Monaco plans to operate the Valo aircraft throughout its existing network, linking key destinations across the French Riviera. These routes include Monaco, Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez—cities known for their tourism, high-end hospitality, and congested road corridors, particularly during peak travel seasons. The Valo’s efficient, quiet, and electric propulsion system positions it as a transformative solution for short-hop regional travel where helicopters currently dominate operations.
For decades, Héli Air Monaco has been the backbone of helicopter transportation in the region, offering rapid transfers between key destinations and serving both residents and visitors. With the adoption of Vertical’s eVTOL aircraft, the company aims to elevate its service offering while dramatically reducing environmental impact. The partnership represents not only a commercial alignment but a shared commitment to accelerating aviation decarbonisation in Europe.
Supporting a New Era of Sustainable Flight
The introduction of the Valo aircraft carries profound implications for sustainable mobility across the French Riviera. The region is home to some of Europe’s busiest air taxi routes, especially around Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, the second-busiest airport in France. Traditional helicopter operations, while essential for mobility, contribute to noise pollution, fuel emissions, and increasing environmental pressures.
Vertical Aerospace’s Valo—powered by electric propulsion and engineered for quiet operations—offers a compelling alternative that aligns with France’s broader climate and transportation goals. Electric aviation is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing emissions on short-distance routes that are not easily decarbonised through conventional means. The Valo’s zero-operating-emission capabilities directly support this transition.
The partnership also aligns with the growing movement across Europe to accelerate the development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions. By adopting electric aircraft early, Héli Air Monaco positions itself as a forward-looking operator that embraces innovation while remaining aligned with evolving regulatory and sustainability frameworks.
Passenger Experience: Redefining Premium Air Travel
The Valo has been engineered with an emphasis on passenger comfort and luxury—attributes that are particularly important for the Riviera’s clientele, which includes business travelers, high-net-worth individuals, and tourists seeking efficient, premium mobility.
The aircraft’s cabin is designed to initially seat four passengers and later accommodate six. Its layout features:
- Panoramic windows that offer sweeping views of the Mediterranean coastline.
- Spacious seating with generous personal space for comfort during short flights.
- Ample storage capacity, including room for six cabin bags and six check-in bags—rare among aircraft of its size.
These features make the Valo uniquely suited to high-end operations along the Côte d’Azur, where travelers expect not only efficiency but also refinement and service excellence.
Vertical Aerospace has also structured the design to meet Europe’s stringent 10-9 safety standard, which is consistent with the highest global thresholds for commercial aviation. This level of safety certification underscores the company’s dedication to creating an aircraft capable of reliable, everyday urban and regional operations.
Infrastructure Support for eVTOL Operations
The transition to electric aviation requires not only new aircraft but also the development of supporting infrastructure. Recognising this, both Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur and Monaco Heliport have committed to working alongside Vertical Aerospace and Héli Air Monaco. This collaboration will focus on adapting existing facilities to accommodate eVTOL aircraft, including upgrades for charging capabilities, vertiport operations, and passenger handling tailored to electric urban air mobility.
These infrastructure developments will further establish the Riviera as a regional leader in sustainable aviation, offering a blueprint for how airports and heliports can integrate next-generation aircraft into their operations.
Leadership Perspectives on the Collaboration
Executives from both companies and regional aviation authorities underscored the significance of the partnership and its potential to shape the future of mobility.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, highlighted the shared vision driving the collaboration:
“Vertical and Héli Air Monaco share a vision for cleaner, quieter and more efficient travel across one of the world’s most iconic coastlines. This partnership builds on today’s launch of Valo, our new aircraft, and accelerates our momentum toward bringing electric flight to market. Together, we will redefine air mobility across the Côte d’Azur.”
Jacques Crovetto, CEO of Héli Air Monaco, emphasised the importance of decarbonising operations while enhancing passenger comfort:
“With Valo, we are reimagining the future of travel across the Riviera. By decarbonising our fleet of helicopters and dramatically reducing our noise footprint, we will be delivering a flight experience that respects our neighbours, our environment, and shapes a sustainable future.”
From an infrastructure perspective, Franck Goldnadel, Chairman of the Management Board of Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur, noted the region’s unique opportunity to showcase sustainable air mobility solutions:
“The arrival of electric vertical take-off aircraft extends our efforts in transforming and decarbonizing air mobility, particularly over short distances. Our region offers a unique opportunity to fly over the sea to directly connect key destinations… The eVTOL has its place in the air transport offering and can provide a new short-distance mobility solution in the future.”
Additionally, Jérôme Journet, Director of Civil Aviation in the Principality of Monaco, reinforced the alignment between the Valo and regional sustainability goals:
“We welcome this new generation of aircraft, which promises a major step toward decarbonized, quieter, and more environmentally friendly aviation… Our region is well-positioned to support the emergence of more sustainable air transport solutions.”
Advancing Electric Air Mobility Across Europe
Vertical Aerospace’s agreement with Héli Air Monaco adds strong momentum to the broader European eVTOL ecosystem. By selecting a prominent and highly visible region like the French Riviera for initial deployment, the partnership sends a clear signal that electric aviation is transitioning from concept to reality.
Beyond cutting emissions, electric air mobility can help alleviate ground traffic congestion, facilitate fast point-to-point travel, and enhance the overall transportation network. With supportive regulatory agencies, growing operator interest, and advancing technology, the trajectory for AAM adoption across Europe is becoming increasingly viable.
With the MoU now in place, Vertical Aerospace and Héli Air Monaco will work closely to prepare for future operations of the Valo aircraft. As certification progresses and infrastructure developments advance, both organisations are positioned to play a leading role in shaping sustainable aviation on the Côte d’Azur.
The coming years will be crucial as Europe accelerates efforts to modernise its transportation systems and reduce the environmental footprint of air travel. Through this partnership, the Riviera is poised to become a showcase for how premium travel, innovation, and sustainability can coexist—offering a new model for coastal and urban regions worldwide.
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