Former EASA director Patrick Ky joins Vertical Aerospace board

LONDON - Vertical Aerospace [NYSE: EVTL], the electric aircraft manufacturer currently valued at $466 million, has appointed Patrick Ky, former Executive Director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), to its Board of Directors effective September 1, 2025, the company announced in a press release statement. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company appears slightly undervalued based on its Fair Value estimates.

Ky led EASA from 2013 to 2023, where he developed the world’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the International Centre for Aviation Innovation. While InvestingPro data shows the company is quickly burning through cash, analysts predict profitability this year with an EPS forecast of $2.65.

The appointment strengthens Vertical’s regulatory expertise as the company works toward certification of its VX4 eVTOL aircraft, targeted for 2028 with both the UK Civil Aviation Authority and EASA.

"Having worked closely with industry and regulators worldwide on developing the standards for this new generation of aircraft, I believe Vertical is uniquely positioned to lead the sector through certification and into safe, sustainable commercial operations," Ky said.

Vertical Aerospace Chairman Domhnal Slattery described Ky as "one of the most respected voices in aviation regulation and safety worldwide" whose expertise will be "invaluable" to the company’s certification program.

Ky joins other regulatory experts at Vertical, including Trevor Woods, former Certification Director at EASA, and Eamonn Brennan, former Director-General of Eurocontrol.

Vertical Aerospace is developing the VX4, a piloted, four-passenger electric aircraft with zero operating emissions. The company reports approximately 1,500 pre-orders from customers including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL, and Bristow. Despite the strong order book, InvestingPro data reveals the stock has experienced significant volatility, with a beta of 1.26 and a year-to-date return of -61.45%. Discover more insights about EVTL and other aerospace companies in InvestingPro’s comprehensive Research Reports, available for over 1,400 US stocks.

In other recent news, Vertical Aerospace reported its first-half results, which D. Boral Capital described as showing "encouraging operational momentum." Following this, D. Boral Capital initiated coverage on the company with a Buy rating and a $15.00 price target. Needham also began coverage with a Buy rating and a $9.00 price target, noting Vertical Aerospace’s position as a pure-play eVTOL manufacturer gaining traction in a supply-constrained market.

Vertical Aerospace has announced a long-term strategic partnership with Aciturri Aerostructures to build the airframe for its VX4 electric aircraft. Aciturri will provide crucial components such as the wing, empennage, pylons, and fuselage, along with engineering responsibilities for various structural elements. Additionally, Vertical Aerospace completed what it called the world’s first airport-to-airport piloted flight by a full-scale eVTOL aircraft, flying 17 miles from Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford.

In other developments, Canaccord Genuity lowered its price target for Vertical Aerospace to $11.00 from $13.50, citing the dilution effect of a recent offering. The funds from this offering are intended to further development and testing efforts for the company’s VX4 aircraft. Despite the price target adjustment, Canaccord Genuity maintained a Buy rating on the stock.

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