Latest news with #ChrisBradshaw
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vertical Aerospace, Bristow expand partnership to accelerate commercial air taxi launch
By Anshuman Tripathy (Reuters) -British electric-aircraft developer Vertical Aerospace said on Thursday it has expanded its partnership with helicopter ride operator Bristow Group as it aims to bring air taxi services into commercial operation. U.S.-listed shares of Vertical were up 1.5% in premarket trade. Texas-based Bristow Group - which offers short-distance helicopter rides in several countries, including the UK and the U.S. - has also ordered up to 50 of Vertical's VX4 aircraft, with the option to purchase 50 more. Air taxi startups are heavily investing to secure approvals and commercialize electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, to meet the growing demand for faster, more sustainable urban transportation amid a stringent regulatory environment. The deal provides Vertical's customers a scalable eVTOL platform, without the need to build operational infrastructure from scratch, the companies said. "We eVTOL aircraft will be a 60% to 70% reduction in direct operating cost," Chris Bradshaw, CEO of Bristow Group, told Reuters in an interview. The partnership also includes access to certified aircraft, trained pilots, maintenance and insurance, with both companies managing aircraft operations for Vertical's customers. "This strategic partnership ... mirrors what already successfully works in aviation today," said Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson, adding that it will lower barriers to market entry and accelerate eVTOL service adoption worldwide. Last month, Vertical said it deepened ties with Honeywell to take key air taxi systems to certification and was developing a long-range hybrid-electric variant of its VX4 in an attempt to widen market reach.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vertical and Bristow Partner to Deliver Full Service 'Ready-to-Fly' eVTOL Operations for VX4 Customers
Strategic partnership will accelerate global eVTOL adoption by combining Vertical's category leading aircraft with Bristow's global vertical lift operational and safety track record and experience "Ready-to-fly" model provides Vertical's customers with turnkey access to aircraft, pilots, maintenance, and insurance – lowering barriers to entry Bristow places pre-order for up to 50 VX4, with option to purchase up to 50 more Companies exploring Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services, including battery swapping and field maintenance solutions LONDON & HOUSTON, June 12, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vertical Aerospace (Vertical) [NYSE: EVTL], a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation, and Bristow Group Inc. [NYSE: VTOL], the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, today announced an expansion of their strategic partnership to bring advanced air mobility (AAM) into commercial operation. The companies will develop a scalable, capital-light eVTOL operations platform, designed to reduce barriers to adopting these aircraft by providing Vertical's current and future customers with fully integrated solutions to launch services without building operational infrastructure from scratch. This "ready-to-fly" model, which mirrors existing, successful operating models adopted by regional airlines, includes access to certified aircraft, trained pilots, maintenance, and insurance – allowing VX4 customers to focus on customer experience, sales, and network integration, while Vertical and Bristow manage aircraft operations on their behalf. Under the memorandum of understanding between the companies, Bristow has also placed a pre-order for up to 50 VX4, with the option to purchase up to 50 more. This expanded pre-order builds on the strategic partnership launched in 2021 and reflects Bristow's confidence in the potential of Vertical's VX4 aircraft, including its commercial viability, certification path, and delivery roadmap. Chris Bradshaw, President and CEO of Bristow Group, said: "We are excited about expanding our relationship with Vertical and helping move the future of advanced air mobility forward. Bristow has over 75 years of providing critical safety, operational, certification, and logistics expertise, and this agreement outlines a framework to help scale these new aircraft globally, offering customers a seamless path from concept to revenue." Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said: "This strategic partnership is about execution and mirrors what already successfully works in aviation today. It will lower barriers to market entry and accelerate the adoption of eVTOL services worldwide. Together, we're making it easy for customers to adopt electric flight, allowing them to focus on what they are best at – customer service, loyalty and sales." Bristow will leverage its global operational footprint, including multiple Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) and Bristow's global MRO network approvals, to offer fully managed operations for Vertical's current and future customers. Target customers include airlines, logistics operators and rescue services – sectors where Bristow has over seven decades of mission-critical experience across the world. As part of the strategic partnership, the companies will harmonize their respective safety management systems and utilize the VX4's cloud-connected architecture to deliver predictive maintenance, enhanced reliability, and data-driven fleet insights. The companies are also exploring Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services, including battery swapping and field maintenance solutions This agreement is a key enabler of Vertical's Flightpath 2030 strategy - its roadmap to delivering scalable, certified, and commercially viable eVTOL operations globally. It also builds on Vertical's recent completion of the first-ever wingborne flight of a winged eVTOL in European open airspace - a critical step toward certification and commercial launch that reflects growing regulatory confidence in the capabilities of the VX4. About Vertical Aerospace Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation. Vertical is creating a safer, cleaner and quieter way to travel. Vertical's VX4 is a piloted, four passenger, Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with zero operating emissions. Vertical will also be launching a hybrid-electric variant, offering increased range and mission flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the advanced air mobility market. Vertical combines partnering with leading aerospace companies, including GKN, Honeywell and Leonardo, with developing its own proprietary battery and propeller technology to develop the world's most advanced and safest eVTOL. Vertical has c.1,500 pre-orders of the VX4, with customers across four continents, including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL and Bristow. Certain customer obligations are expected to be fulfilled via third-party agreements. Headquartered in Bristol, the epicentre of the UK's aerospace industry, Vertical's experienced leadership team comes from top tier automotive and aerospace companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GM and Leonardo. Together they have previously certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems. About Bristow Group Bristow Group Inc. is the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions. Bristow primarily provides aviation services to a broad base of offshore energy companies and government entities. Bristow's aviation services include personnel transportation, search and rescue ("SAR"), medevac, fixed-wing transportation, unmanned systems and ad hoc helicopter services. Bristow's business is comprised of three operating segments: Offshore Energy Services, Government Services and Other Services. Bristow's energy customers charter its helicopters primarily to transport personnel to, from and between onshore bases and offshore production platforms, drilling rigs and other installations. Bristow's government customers primarily outsource SAR activities whereby we operate specialized helicopters and provide highly trained personnel. Bristow's other services include fixed wing transportation services through a regional airline and dry-leasing aircraft to third-party operators in support of other industries and geographic markets. Bristow currently has customers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dutch Caribbean, the Falkland Islands, India, Ireland, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad, the United Kingdom ("UK") and the United States ("U.S."). Forward-Looking Statements This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to Vertical's current expectations and views of future events. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act and 21E of the Exchange Act. Any express or implied statements contained in this release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the expected benefits of the strategic partnership between Vertical and Bristow disclosed herein, Bristow's purchase of aircraft from Vertical, the design and manufacture of the VX4, the features and capabilities of the VX4 and the hybrid-electric variant, expectations surrounding pre-orders and commitments, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including the building and testing of Vertical's prototype aircrafts on timelines projected, completion of the piloted test programme phases, selection of suppliers, certification and the commercialization of both the VX4 and the hybrid-electric VX4 variant, and Vertical's ability to achieve regulatory certification of Vertical's aircraft products on any particular timeline or at all, Vertical's ability to integrate hybrid technology into the VX4 on any particular timelines or at all, the ability of the hybrid-electric VX4 variant VX4 to be applied in defense, cargo, logistics and emergency services sectors, Vertical's ability to scale the hybrid-electric VX4 upon the VX4, the transition towards a net-zero emissions economy, Vertical's future results of operations and financial position and expected financial performance and operational performance, liquidity, growth and profitability strategies, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, Vertical's ability and plans to raise additional capital to fund Vertical's operations, Vertical's plans to mitigate the risk that we are unable to continue as a going concern, Vertical's plans for capital expenditures, as well as statements that include the words "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "project," "forecast," "estimate," "may," "should," "anticipate," "will," "aim," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements reflect Vertical's current views with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the important factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in Vertical's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on March 11, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in Vertical's other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this release speak only as of the date hereof and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Vertical disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this release whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than to the extent required by applicable law. This Press Release also contains "forward-looking statements" representing Bristow Group Inc.'s ("Bristow") current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "project," or "continue," or other similar words, and include statements regarding the expected benefits of the fleet support and training agreements disclosed herein. These statements are made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, reflect Bristow management's current views with respect to future events and therefore are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, such forward-looking statements include statements regarding the capabilities, development, certification, marketing, and future operations of Vertical's VX4 aircraft, Bristow's purchase of aircraft from Vertical, and the anticipated benefits of the collaboration between Bristow and Vertical. Bristow's actual results may vary materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. Bristow cautions investors not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are made. Bristow disclaims any obligation or undertaking to provide any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in Bristow's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based that occur after the date hereof, except as may be required by applicable law. You should not place undue reliance on Bristow's forward-looking statements because the matters they describe are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond Bristow's control. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for Bristow to predict these matters or how they may affect Bristow. Bristow has included important factors in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Bristow's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the "Annual Report") which Bristow believes over time, could cause Bristow's actual results, performance, or achievements to differ from the anticipated results, performance or achievements that are expressed or implied by Bristow's forward-looking statements. You should consider all risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Annual Report and in Bristow's filings with the SEC, all of which are accessible on the SEC's website at View source version on Contacts For more information about Vertical Aerospace: Justin Bates, Head of Communications +44 7878 357 463Samuel Emden, Head of Investor Affairs +447816 459 904 Investors Bristow Group Inc. Jennifer Media Bristow Group Inc. Adam Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
12-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Vertical and Bristow Partner to Deliver Full Service 'Ready-to-Fly' eVTOL Operations for VX4 Customers
LONDON & HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vertical Aerospace (Vertical) [NYSE: EVTL], a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation, and Bristow Group Inc. [NYSE: VTOL], the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, today announced an expansion of their strategic partnership to bring advanced air mobility (AAM) into commercial operation. The companies will develop a scalable, capital-light eVTOL operations platform, designed to reduce barriers to adopting these aircraft by providing Vertical's current and future customers with fully integrated solutions to launch services without building operational infrastructure from scratch. This "ready-to-fly" model, which mirrors existing, successful operating models adopted by regional airlines, includes access to certified aircraft, trained pilots, maintenance, and insurance – allowing VX4 customers to focus on customer experience, sales, and network integration, while Vertical and Bristow manage aircraft operations on their behalf. Under the memorandum of understanding between the companies, Bristow has also placed a pre-order for up to 50 VX4, with the option to purchase up to 50 more. This expanded pre-order builds on the strategic partnership launched in 2021 and reflects Bristow's confidence in the potential of Vertical's VX4 aircraft, including its commercial viability, certification path, and delivery roadmap. Chris Bradshaw, President and CEO of Bristow Group, said: 'We are excited about expanding our relationship with Vertical and helping move the future of advanced air mobility forward. Bristow has over 75 years of providing critical safety, operational, certification, and logistics expertise, and this agreement outlines a framework to help scale these new aircraft globally, offering customers a seamless path from concept to revenue.' Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said: 'This strategic partnership is about execution and mirrors what already successfully works in aviation today. It will lower barriers to market entry and accelerate the adoption of eVTOL services worldwide. Together, we're making it easy for customers to adopt electric flight, allowing them to focus on what they are best at – customer service, loyalty and sales.' Bristow will leverage its global operational footprint, including multiple Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) and Bristow's global MRO network approvals, to offer fully managed operations for Vertical's current and future customers. Target customers include airlines, logistics operators and rescue services – sectors where Bristow has over seven decades of mission-critical experience across the world. As part of the strategic partnership, the companies will harmonize their respective safety management systems and utilize the VX4's cloud-connected architecture to deliver predictive maintenance, enhanced reliability, and data-driven fleet insights. The companies are also exploring Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services, including battery swapping and field maintenance solutions This agreement is a key enabler of Vertical's Flightpath 2030 strategy - its roadmap to delivering scalable, certified, and commercially viable eVTOL operations globally. It also builds on Vertical's recent completion of the first-ever wingborne flight of a winged eVTOL in European open airspace - a critical step toward certification and commercial launch that reflects growing regulatory confidence in the capabilities of the VX4. About Vertical Aerospace Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation. Vertical is creating a safer, cleaner and quieter way to travel. Vertical's VX4 is a piloted, four passenger, Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with zero operating emissions. Vertical will also be launching a hybrid-electric variant, offering increased range and mission flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the advanced air mobility market. Vertical combines partnering with leading aerospace companies, including GKN, Honeywell and Leonardo, with developing its own proprietary battery and propeller technology to develop the world's most advanced and safest eVTOL. Vertical has c.1,500 pre-orders of the VX4, with customers across four continents, including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL and Bristow. Certain customer obligations are expected to be fulfilled via third-party agreements. Headquartered in Bristol, the epicentre of the UK's aerospace industry, Vertical's experienced leadership team comes from top tier automotive and aerospace companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GM and Leonardo. Together they have previously certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems. About Bristow Group Bristow Group Inc. is the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions. Bristow primarily provides aviation services to a broad base of offshore energy companies and government entities. Bristow's aviation services include personnel transportation, search and rescue ('SAR'), medevac, fixed-wing transportation, unmanned systems and ad hoc helicopter services. Bristow's business is comprised of three operating segments: Offshore Energy Services, Government Services and Other Services. Bristow's energy customers charter its helicopters primarily to transport personnel to, from and between onshore bases and offshore production platforms, drilling rigs and other installations. Bristow's government customers primarily outsource SAR activities whereby we operate specialized helicopters and provide highly trained personnel. Bristow's other services include fixed wing transportation services through a regional airline and dry-leasing aircraft to third-party operators in support of other industries and geographic markets. Bristow currently has customers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dutch Caribbean, the Falkland Islands, India, Ireland, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad, the United Kingdom ('UK') and the United States ('U.S.'). Forward-Looking Statements This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to Vertical's current expectations and views of future events. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act and 21E of the Exchange Act. Any express or implied statements contained in this release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the expected benefits of the strategic partnership between Vertical and Bristow disclosed herein, Bristow's purchase of aircraft from Vertical, the design and manufacture of the VX4, the features and capabilities of the VX4 and the hybrid-electric variant, expectations surrounding pre-orders and commitments, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including the building and testing of Vertical's prototype aircrafts on timelines projected, completion of the piloted test programme phases, selection of suppliers, certification and the commercialization of both the VX4 and the hybrid-electric VX4 variant, and Vertical's ability to achieve regulatory certification of Vertical's aircraft products on any particular timeline or at all, Vertical's ability to integrate hybrid technology into the VX4 on any particular timelines or at all, the ability of the hybrid-electric VX4 variant VX4 to be applied in defense, cargo, logistics and emergency services sectors, Vertical's ability to scale the hybrid-electric VX4 upon the VX4, the transition towards a net-zero emissions economy, Vertical's future results of operations and financial position and expected financial performance and operational performance, liquidity, growth and profitability strategies, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, Vertical's ability and plans to raise additional capital to fund Vertical's operations, Vertical's plans to mitigate the risk that we are unable to continue as a going concern, Vertical's plans for capital expenditures, as well as statements that include the words 'expect,' 'intend,' 'plan,' 'believe,' 'project,' 'forecast,' 'estimate,' 'may,' 'should,' 'anticipate,' 'will,' 'aim,' 'potential,' 'continue,' 'is/are likely to' and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements reflect Vertical's current views with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the important factors discussed under the caption 'Risk Factors' in Vertical's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC') on March 11, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in Vertical's other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this release speak only as of the date hereof and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Vertical disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this release whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than to the extent required by applicable law. This Press Release also contains "forward-looking statements" representing Bristow Group Inc.'s ("Bristow") current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "project," or "continue," or other similar words, and include statements regarding the expected benefits of the fleet support and training agreements disclosed herein. These statements are made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, reflect Bristow management's current views with respect to future events and therefore are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, such forward-looking statements include statements regarding the capabilities, development, certification, marketing, and future operations of Vertical's VX4 aircraft, Bristow's purchase of aircraft from Vertical, and the anticipated benefits of the collaboration between Bristow and Vertical. Bristow's actual results may vary materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. Bristow cautions investors not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are made. Bristow disclaims any obligation or undertaking to provide any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in Bristow's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based that occur after the date hereof, except as may be required by applicable law. You should not place undue reliance on Bristow's forward-looking statements because the matters they describe are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond Bristow's control. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for Bristow to predict these matters or how they may affect Bristow. Bristow has included important factors in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Bristow's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the "Annual Report") which Bristow believes over time, could cause Bristow's actual results, performance, or achievements to differ from the anticipated results, performance or achievements that are expressed or implied by Bristow's forward-looking statements. You should consider all risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Annual Report and in Bristow's filings with the SEC, all of which are accessible on the SEC's website at
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
I got a sneak peek of the Epic Universe park. Here are 4 secrets I discovered you need to know before visiting
Universal Orlando Resort's $6 billion Epic Universe park is opening this Thursday after six years of construction. But here we can spill some of the park's secrets ahead of the big day, thanks to a group of travel experts who got an early sneak peek of the attractions. The team, from explored all five of the park's worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic; Super Nintendo World; How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk; Dark Universe and Celestial Park. And then they compiled their insider findings. Marketing Director Chris Bradshaw reveals the 30-second audio cue for a secret fire show; hidden, themed sodas; a hack for picking a milder or more intense ride on the dual-track showpiece roller coaster, and the best hotel room floors for perfect park views. Tickets for the park cost between $139 and $199 — these tips will help you get even better value for your money. 'Listen for the bells – that's your cue to see the fire show in Dark Universe' Chris declares that one of the "coolest" hidden experiences that was spotted takes place in the Dark Universe section. He reveals: "Just before the Burning Blade Tavern quite literally bursts into flames, you'll hear bells chiming across Darkmoor village. "Once those bells ring, you've got about 30 seconds to walk towards the tavern and see the fire effects live. "There's no big announcement, so unless you know to listen out for it, you might miss it. It's a fun bit of atmosphere-building that brings the land to life in a way we've never really seen before." 'There's a secret Coca-Cola Freestyle drink in every land, and they're themed to match' There are four portal structures that guests will walk through from the central Celestial Park to reach The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, the Isle of Berk and Dark Universe – and Chris and his team discovered a secret drink in each one. Chris reveals: "In each of the four portals that transport you to different lands within Epic Universe, we discovered that the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines [in them] include a hidden drink that matches the world's theme. "For example, in How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, there's a tropical soda called 'Dragon Splash' that doesn't appear on any other menus. "In Dark Universe, the horror-themed portal, you'll find a purple, berry-based flavour called 'Screaming Berry'. "These drinks are exclusive to their portals. So if you're into collecting themed items or just love a surprise, it's a brilliant detail to look out for." 'You can choose your intensity level on Stardust Racers' The flagship coaster at Epic Universe, claims the preview team, is Stardust Racers, a double-track, colour-coded racing coaster with different personalities. Chris explains: "We found that the green side is the much more intense of the two, while the yellow side offers a slightly gentler experience. "Slightly being the keyword, as it's definitely still a thrill. Unbeknownst to us, you could actually choose which side to ride when you enter the queue, so if you have a preference, you can pick. Being able to tailor the ride experience is a big win in our book." "Want the best park views? Ask for these floors at the Helios Hotel' Helios Grand Hotel sits inside the park's boundaries – and some floors offer better views of the attractions than others. So claim the insiders. Chris says: "The new Helios Grand Hotel is unlike anything we've seen before because it sits inside the park boundaries, with views directly over Celestial Park and the portals. "If you're staying there, we recommend requesting a room on the third or fourth floor, as these floors offer the best elevated views of the park, in our opinion, and especially during sunset or when the rides are lit up at night. "It's worth noting that view requests can't be guaranteed, but if you're booking for a special occasion or just want that wow-factor experience, it's definitely worth asking in advance." Epic Universe brings the number of parks at Universal Orlando Resort to four. The other three are Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay.
Daily Record
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scottish city named 'surprising Jedi hotspot' ahead of Star Wars Day
Only one city in Scotland is among the top 10 in the UK. Scotland's "hotspot for Jedis" has been revealed. The Scottish city was named as a "surprising" centre for Star Wars fans. May 4 marks Star Wars Day, which is a commemorative day observed each year celebrating the Star Wars franchise created by George Lucas. Originating from the classic line 'May the force be with you', Star Wars Day will take place on Sunday. Ahead of the sci-fi holiday, new research from Disney experts at has named the UK cities that are estimated to have the most 'Jedis' in 2025. In the fictional Star Wars universe, a Jedi is a member of a mystical knightly order—and is used to refer to fans of the franchise. The experts have seen a 300 per cent spike in searches for 'Jediism' in the UK over the past month. As a result, the team investigated where this renewed interest is coming from across Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Topping the list for Scotland as the biggest Star Wars hotspot is Dunfermline. Scotland's newest city also placed third on the UK-wide list. According to the experts, 0.02 per cent of Dunfermline's population identity as a Jedi. Although the number may seem small, states that it "reflects a measurable level of sustained interest". While not appearing in the UK-wide top 10, Aberdeen follows behind as the Scottish city with the second-highest number of Jedis. The results reveal that approximately 0.004 per cent of the Granite City have expressed interest in Jediism. Edinburgh and Glasgow follow behind in third and fourth place for Scotland respectively. Just under 0.002 per cent of Edinburgh's population were found to be Jedi enthusiasts, while the figure is around 0.0015 per cent for Glasgow. Elsewhere, Truro ranks highest in England and the UK. With 0.05 per cent, this reflects a notably larger share of residents showing an interest in Jediism compared to other UK cities. Meanwhile, Swansea leads in Wales. An estimated 0.004 per cent of the city's population have expressed interest in Jediism according to the experts. On the other hand, Northern Ireland recorded no significant activity relating to Jediism. Based on recent search data, nowhere in Northern Ireland appears on the list of the top Jedi hotspots. Marketing Director at Chris Bradshaw commented: "While the population percentages may appear small, they reflect a measurable level of sustained interest, particularly during a time when Star Wars continues to expand its cultural and cinematic reach through streaming platforms like Disney+, and specifically around key cultural moments for fans like Star Wars Day. "From a pop culture perspective, the influence of the Star Wars franchise remains incredibly strong, and we can also see this through the growing popularity of the Star Wars rides at Disney parks, such as Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain at Disneyland Paris. It seems that the franchise is as popular as ever." To put together their list, the experts analysed search volume data for the term 'Jediism' across more than 70 major UK cities. This was compared against the most recent population figures for each city in order to calculate the estimated percentage of residents expressing interest in the Jedi belief system ahead of Star Wars Day. Truro, England Durham, England Dunfermline, Scotland Chester, England Bath, England Lincoln, England Salford, England Gloucester, England Southend-on-Sea, England Peterborough, England
