Vertical Aerospace Taps Former Airbus Chief Fabrice Brégier to Lead Its Board

Vertical Aerospace is handing the reins of its boardroom to a seasoned aerospace veteran. The UK-based electric vertical take-off and landing developer has confirmed that Fabrice Brégier, who previously served as CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, will take over as Chair of its Board of Directors.

The appointment signals a deliberate push to bring heavyweight industry experience into the company’s leadership as it navigates the demanding path from prototype to certified aircraft. Brégier spent years steering one of the world’s largest commercial aircraft manufacturers, giving him a deep grounding in certification, industrialization and global supplier networks – areas that eVTOL developers have repeatedly identified as their toughest hurdles.

For Vertical Aerospace, the move comes as the broader advanced air mobility sector faces scrutiny over timelines and capital requirements. Installing a figure with Brégier’s pedigree at the top of the board is likely intended to reassure investors and partners that the company is serious about maturing its operations beyond design and testing.

Few details beyond the chairmanship were disclosed in the announcement, but the hire places Vertical Aerospace among a growing group of eVTOL firms recruiting established aviation executives to bridge the gap between startup culture and the rigours of aerospace manufacturing.