Solvay will supply composite and adhesive technologies as well as technical support to Vertical Aerospace
Alpharetta, GA, February 9, 2021
Solvay is partnering with Vertical Aerospace to develop the composite structure of their passenger air-taxi program VA-1X. This piloted electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) flagship aircraft will be able to carry 4 passengers and 1 pilot for 100 miles (160 km) at cruise speeds of 150mph/240kmph.
As part of the agreement signed by both companies, Solvay will provide access to its extensive composite and adhesive qualified product portfolio and specialized technical and application support both at Solvay’s European Application Centers and at Vertical Aerospace’s office in Bristol, UK. Together, the companies aim to successfully develop the first flying prototype scheduled for a test flight in September 2021.
“Solvay is proud to partner with Vertical Aerospace, a pioneer in sustainable aviation technologies, whose VA-1X aircraft is set to revolutionize the way we travel. By providing the performance required to operate safely and maximize range, while facilitating the processes needed for mass production, our advanced materials will be key enablers to the mass-adoption of eVTOLs” said Carmelo Lo Faro, President of Solvay Composite Materials Global Business Unit.
Solvay and Vertical Aerospace sustainability agendas are fully aligned. The VA-1X will be electrically powered, where possible by renewable energy, and will offer emission-free flights. The aircraft certification is planned for 2024 with commercial services starting shortly after.
“We are incredibly excited to be working hand in hand with Solvay, co-innovating to develop a lightweight, advanced and sustainable eVTOL thanks to their portfolio of advanced materials” said Michael Cervenka, CEO of Vertical Aerospace.
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About Solvay
Solvay is a science company whose technologies bring benefits to many aspects of daily life. With more than 24,100 employees in 64 countries, Solvay bonds people, ideas and elements to reinvent progress. The Group seeks to create sustainable shared value for all, notably through its Solvay One Planet plan crafted around three pillars: protecting the climate, preserving resources and fostering better life. The Group’s innovative solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices, health care applications, water and air purification systems. Founded in 1863, Solvay today ranks among the world’s top three companies for the vast majority of its activities and delivered net sales of €10.2 billion in 2019. Solvay is listed on Euronext Brussels (SOLB) and Paris and in the United States, where its shares (SOLVY) are traded through a Level I ADR program. Learn more at www.solvay.com.