• GKN Aerospace designed and manufactured the electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS) including the High Voltage High Power Interconnection system that runs power from the batteries to the VX4’s electric propulsion units (EPU)
• Rapid development, integration support and delivery within nine months showcases ability to support electrical aircraft with faster time-to-market
• Sustainable technologies and specialist knowledge established from across GKN Aerospace, including the UK and the Netherlands
• GKN and Vertical continue to build on their strategic partnership and strengthen Vertical’s unrivalled industrial partner ecosystem

20 July 2022

GKN Aerospace has reached an important milestone in its partnership with Vertical Aerospace (Vertical) [NYSE: EVTL], a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering zero emissions aviation, by delivering the electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS) and integration expertise for Vertical’s first flying prototype of the VX4 all-electric demonstrator aircraft.

The VX4 is leveraging GKN Aerospace’s multi-technology expertise and its global footprint, with EWIS d elivered from Hoogerheide, the Netherlands. Airframe assembly and EWIS installation was also completed at GKN Aerospace’s brand-new Global Technology Centre in Bristol [include when], integrating various parts delivered by the global supply chain.

GKN Aerospace and Vertical announced their partnership in September 2021. Since then, the rapid design, manufacture and delivery of the EWIS has showcased GKN Aerospace’s ability to support the faster Press Release 20 July 2022 2 time-to-market of electric aircraft. The next step in the strategic collaboration between GKN and Vertical, will be manufacturing and integration of the Wing and EWIS for the certifiable aircraft. Design and development activities have already started and are progressing, as Vertical’s VX4 is targeting entry into service in 2025.

Michael Cervenka, President of Vertical said: “Building the VX4 requires great expertise and a pioneering spirit. Our partnership with GKN Aerospace, a leading global technology supplier, is providing the aerostructures and EWIS systems in the VX4, accelerating our development and signifying great progress for electric aviation as a whole. We are delighted with the tremendous support and expertise GKN has provided in helping us assemble the demonstrator aircraft in their world-class Global Technology Centre.”

John Pritchard President Civil Airframe, GKN Aerospace said: “This is a breakthrough moment in our step towards creating a sustainable future of flight. Companies like Vertical are a game-changer for our industry and are making zero-emission travel a reality today. We are delighted to have partnered with Vertical at the start of this journey and proud that our technology is helping to bring that reality to life. Congratulations to everyone involved and we look forward to seeing the first aircraft flying very soon.”

GKN Aerospace is the world’s multi-technology leader in design and manufacturing of lightweight aerostructures and EWIS systems, as well as engine systems.

Editor’s notes

GKN Aerospace is the world’s leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier. As a global company serving the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, GKN Aerospace develops, builds and supplies an extensive range of advanced aerospace systems, components and technologies– for use in Defence and Commercial aircraft ranging from helicopters, business jets, passenger planes to the most advanced fighter aircraft. Lightweight composites, additive manufacturing, innovative engine systems and smart transparencies help to reduce emissions and weight on the aircraft and enhance passenger comfort. GKN Aerospace is market leading in aerostructures, engine systems and operates in 12 countries at 38 manufacturing locations employing approximately 15,000 people.

About Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace is pioneering electric aviation. The company was founded in 2016 by Stephen Fitzpatrick, an established entrepreneur best known as the founder of the Ovo Group, a leading energy and technology group and Europe’s largest independent energy retailer. Over the past five years, Vertical has focused on building the most experienced and senior team in the eVTOL industry, who have over 1,700 combined years of engineering experience, and have certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems.

Vertical’s top-tier partner ecosystem is expected to de-risk operational execution and its pathway to certification allows for a lean cost structure and enables production at scale. Vertical has a market-leading pre-order book by value for more than 1,400 aircraft from global customers creating multiple potential near term and actionable routes to market. Customers include American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Avolon, Bristow, Marubeni, Iberojet and FLYINGGROUP, as well as Japan Airlines (JAL), Gol, Air Greenland, Gozen Holding and AirAsia, through Avolon’s VX4 placements.

Vertical’s ordinary shares and warrants commenced trading on the NYSE in December 2021 under the tickers “EVTL” and “EVTLW,” respectively.

About the VX4 eVTOL Aircraft

The VX4 is projected to be capable of transporting a pilot and up to four passengers, traveling distances of over 100 miles, and achieving top speeds of over 200 miles per hour, while producing minimal noise and zero operating emissions. The VX4 is expected to open up advanced air mobility to a whole new range of passengers and transform how we travel. Find out more: vertical-aerospace.com

Vertical Media Kit
Available here

Vertical Media
Samuel Emden
nepeanverticalteam@nepean.co.uk
+44 7816 459 904

Vertical Investors
Eduardo Royes
investors@vertical-aerospace.com
+1 646 200 8871

GKN Aerospace
Marianne Mulder Digital Communications and Media Manager
marianne.mulder@fokker.com
+31 6513 112 17

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 press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the certification and the commercialization of the VX4 and related timelines, the differential strategy compared to its peer group, and the transition towards a net-zero emissions economy, expected financial performance and operational performance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022, as well as statements that include the words “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “will,” “aim,” “potential,” “continue,” “are likely to” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. Forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, without limitation: Vertical’s limited operating history without manufactured non-prototype aircraft or completed eVTOL aircraft customer order; Vertical’s history of losses and the expectation to incur significant expenses and continuing losses for the foreseeable future; the market for eVTOL aircraft being in a relatively early stage; the potential inability of Vertical to produce or launch aircraft in the volumes and on timelines projected; the potential inability of Vertical to obtain the necessary certifications on the timelines projected; any accidents or incidents involving eVTOL aircraft could harm Vertical’s business; Vertical’s dependence on partners and suppliers for the components in its aircraft and for operational needs; the potential that certain of Vertical’s strategic partnerships may not materialize into long-term partnership arrangements; pre-orders Vertical has received for its aircraft are conditional and may be terminated at any time in writing prior to certain specified dates; any potential failure by Vertical to effectively manage its growth; the impact of COVID-19 on Vertical’s business; Vertical has identified material weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting and may be unable to remediate the material weaknesses; Vertical’s dependence on our senior management team and other highly skilled personnel; as a foreign private issuer Vertical follows certain home country corporate governance rules, is not subject to U.S. proxy rules and is subject to Exchange Act reporting obligations that, to some extent, are more lenient and less frequent than those of a U.S. domestic public company; and the other important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities Vertical Investors Eduardo Royes investors@vertical-aerospace.com +1 646 200 8871 Press Release 20 July 2022 4 and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on April 29, 2022, as such factors may be updated from time to time in Vertical’s other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Vertical disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than to the extent required by applicable law.