The overall exterior presents a friendly, modern presence in the sky with cutting-edge design. The design team worked closely with engineering to shape the exterior around the engineering package including aerodynamics, landing gear architecture, cabin spatial studies and batteries. Expressing this new class of electric aircraft, a distinctive graphical split along the fuselage defines where the batteries are housed.

The landing gear arrangement creates an iconic silhouette for eVTOL aircraft. The front landing gear housing is sculpted with automotive-inspired surfacing, which is both aerodynamic and has dual function as a step into the cockpit. The unique rear landing gear format introduces a Y-tail motif used within Vertical’s new branding.

OMI was involved from the outset in sizing the cabin, defining passenger space and overall ergonomics to make the most comfortable and well-proportioned interior for this new class of aircraft. The design intent was to create a warm, intuitive and highly adaptable cabin environment.

The cargo area was designed to be both spacious and protective, responding directly to airline feedback. Valo includes one of the most generous cargo holds in its class, with space for six cabin bags and six checked bags. The compartment is lined with protective padding and features custom-designed branded webbing, ensuring passengers can travel without compromise on airport-to-city connections.

Developed with Honeywell and shaped through extensive pilot studies, optimising sightlines and ergonomics, informed by direct human-factors testing. Valo’s cockpit features an asymmetric layout enabling an additional pilot or observer seat. Including Honeywell’s latest avionics screens and inceptors. The result is a cockpit environment engineered for precision, simplicity and pilot confidence.

Collaborators: Pentagram – Brand Identity, Deadbeat Films – Video Production, Nick Dimbleby – Photography