Syensqo, a global advanced materials leader, and Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation, announced a new long-term supplier partnership. Syensqo’s high-performance composites and adhesives have been selected for the VX4 aircraft following their use in Vertical’s prototype program. The target for certification in 2028 will see entry into commercial service. This comes after several years of close collaboration between the teams at Syensqo and Vertical.
Syensqo’s advanced materials will be integrated across the entire structure, providing lightweight strength, structural efficiency, and durability required for high-cycle operations in electric vertical flight. Securing advanced composite materials is critical in ensuring the VX4 can withstand repeated take-offs and landings while maintaining safety and performance at scale. The airframe of the VX4 itself will be manufactured by Aciturri, a leading global aerostructures supplier, and supports Vertical’s transition into full commercial production.
Syensqo brings deep aerospace experience into Vertical, supplying advanced materials to many of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers and defense companies. This experience makes Syensqo an ideal partner as Vertical advances to both civil and defense applications of its aircraft platform.
Rodrigo Elizondo, President of Syensqo Composite Materials, said, “We are very confident in our strengthened partnership with Vertical, as Syensqo’s advanced composite and adhesive technologies are engineered to drive new levels of lightweighting and performance for the VX4 aircraft. We look forward to contributing our scientific expertise and deep customer collaboration to support the successful transition of the VX4 into full-scale manufacturing as Vertical approaches certification and industrial-scale production.
Stuart Simpson, Chief Executive Officer for Vertical Aerospace, highlighted the partnership ecosystem within the company. “Taking the VX4 to market with leading global partners is at the very center of our mission,” he said. “Further strengthening our long-standing collaboration with Syensqo as our advanced-materials supplier represents a critical step forward.” With decades of experience in lightweight, high-performance composites and with a shared commitment to safety and certification, Simpson added that this partnership will be essential for delivering a robust, agile aircraft as Vertical continues to move toward commercial operations.
