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The Côte d’Azur is emerging as a testing ground for decarbonised air mobility

A structuring partnership for electric air mobility.
Vertical Aerospace and Héli Air Monaco have signed an agreement to introduce the Valo eVTOL on the Côte d’Azur. The first connections will link Monaco, Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez. This project marks a concrete step forward in the development of air mobility with zero operational emissions across the region.
A region well suited to testing new forms of mobility.
The geographical configuration of Nice Côte d’Azur, combined with high tourist flows and an innovation-driven ecosystem, makes it a relevant setting for testing solutions such as the eVTOL. Overwater flight paths and the density of short connections make it easier to deploy these technologies.
Infrastructure designed to support the transition.
Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur are contributing to the development of the project by supporting the adjustments required to accommodate eVTOLs. This commitment is part of a broader strategy to transform air mobility across the region.
A consistent regional approach in support of decarbonisation.
The Valo project is part of a local drive to reduce emissions, supported by a structured roadmap. Public and private stakeholders across the region are working together to encourage the emergence of practical low-carbon mobility solutions.

A key milestone for electric mobility on the Côte d’Azur

On 10 December 2025, Vertical Aerospace and Héli Air Monaco formalised a partnership to introduce the Valo eVTOL on the Côte d’Azur, with direct support from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. The airport is part of the initiative as a technical and regional facilitator, supporting the adjustments needed to accommodate these electric vertical take-off aircraft. “The arrival of the eVTOL extends our efforts to transform and decarbonise air mobility, particularly on short routes,” noted Franck Goldnadel, Chairman of the Executive Board of Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur. The project plans an initial service linking Monaco, Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez, illustrating the operational rollout of zero-emission transport solutions in a region with high tourism and logistics activity. The announced timeline targets Valo’s regulatory certification in 2028 from the European and British authorities, a prerequisite for its operational deployment.

Nice Côte d’Azur, an operational environment conducive to innovation

The choice of the Côte d’Azur to launch this pilot project reflects specific regional characteristics. The proximity of cities, the natural connections between tourist and business areas, and the possibility of flying mainly over the sea create an environment well suited to short-distance electric aviation.

The local ecosystem, structured around innovation and energy transition, is an additional asset for the deployment of these new forms of mobility. Team Nice Côte d’Azur, as the metropolitan agency for attractiveness and economic promotion, actively supports electric air mobility players seeking to establish themselves in the region.

Airports committed to transforming air transport

Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur, together with the Monaco heliport, are supporting the Valo project through infrastructure adjustments tailored to eVTOL requirements. Nice, as France’s second-largest airport platform, plays an essential operational support role during this experimental phase.

The platform’s commitment is part of a broader strategy to move towards more sustainable mobility models, in line with the expectations of the territories served and the operators involved.

Environmental commitments already recognised

The project forms part of an environmental trajectory that is already well underway. In 2025, Nice Airport became the first airport in France in its category to obtain Level 5 Airport Carbon Accreditation. This recognition confirms a reduction of more than 90% in emissions under direct control, as well as the implementation of a strategy covering the entire value chain. That same year, Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur received the EcoVadis Gold Medal, placing them among the top 5% of companies audited worldwide.

Source: Press release by Vertical Aerospace / Héli Air Monaco / Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur