Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has achieved a historic milestone in European aviation on the 27th of May 2025 by conducting the first piloted wingborne flight of a an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in open airspace.
The VX4 prototype, soaring over the UK countryside from Cotswold Airport, successfully showcased controlled wingborne flight in open airspace for the first time. This achievement represents a significant milestone in the journey towards commercial deployment, aligning with Vertical’s Flightpath 2030 strategy.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of the UK granted approval for the flight to proceed through open airspace at Cotswold Airport, which is the largest private airport in the UK, by extending Vertical’s Permit to Fly. This decision came after a thorough examination of numerous pages of safety and technical documentation.
“Taking the aircraft beyond the airfield and cruising over the Cotswolds for the first time was truly special and a career highlight for me. Our performance predictions were absolutely spot on, and the aircraft took off as a natural extension of all the ground tests and preparation we’ve done. There are aircraft which are safe and capable but not always enjoyable to fly. The VX4 was not only safe but was an absolute pleasure. It is responsive, smooth, simple to operate and the sound level from the propellers is quiet and pleasant in the cockpit. An honour to fly, and a real testament to the incredible team behind it.” – Chief Test Pilot, Simon Davies
“Achieving piloted wingborne flight in open airspace under the oversight of the UK CAA is an important moment in our certification journey. Operating under the UK’s rigorous regulatory framework means we share the burden of safety with our regulator – every step must be approved, and that’s by design. It amounts to a mini certification of our prototype and gives us a clearer, faster path to type certification. Our decision to put a pilot into the VX4 early was deliberate – real-world piloted flight delivers insights no simulation can. This milestone proves the capability of the aircraft and the maturity of our programme as we move toward commercial operations.” – Stuart Simpson, CEO, Vertical Aerospace
“The VX4’s successful demonstration of wingborne flight marks a significant step towards commercial readiness. As the global leader in innovative and sustainable vertical lift, we look forward to continuing to partner with Vertical to unleash the disruptive advantages of this aircraft.” – David Stepanek, EVP & CTO, Bristow Group
”This milestone is a key step toward safely scaling electric aviation, which we believe will play a key role in the future of our industry. We’re proud of Vertical’s progress toward sustainable travel.” – Jill Blickstein, Vice President of Sustainability, at American Airlines
“This significant achievement underscores the ability of our partnership to unlock new and innovative modes of transport, and we are proud Honeywell Anthem avionics and flight control computers and software could play a key role in supporting such a defining moment for the industry.” – Jim Currier, President and CEO, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies
By successfully attaining stable and controlled wingborne flight, Vertical has made a noteworthy advancement towards the next significant milestone: a complete piloted transition flight, anticipated in the latter half of 2025. This will showcase the VX4’s capability to transition effortlessly between vertical lift and forward cruise – the operational mode it will employ in passenger service.
UK’s commitment to Aerospace Leadership through cross-sector partnerships
This accomplishment has also received backing from initial UK government funding via programs such as the Aerospace Technology Institute and the Future Flight Challenge. These initiatives have played a significant role in the advancement of Vertical’s technology and flight testing efforts, and are integral to broader initiatives aimed at promoting the UK’s net zero and aerospace goals. According to the Future Flight Challenge, the global market for AAM aircraft such as eVTOLs from Vertical Aersopace, drones (UAS), and supporting services will reach $74 billion by 2030.
“This is a fantastic milestone for Vertical and for the UK’s world-class aerospace sector. Breakthroughs like this show how government and business can work together to keep the UK at the cutting edge of innovation. Our modern Industrial Strategy will double down on this success by giving investors the confidence they need to back UK advanced manufacturing for the long term, bringing good, green jobs and growth across the UK as part of our Plan for Change.” – UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds
The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) develops the technological strategy for the aerospace industry in the UK and finances top-tier research and development.
- £2bn of grant funding has been awarded to UK organisations.
- £3.64bn the total industry-matched value of the ATI Programme.
- 438 projects now included in the portfolio.
- The ATI receives equal funding from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and from industrial recipients of project grants, who contribute a nominal levy. Projects under the ATI are selected and monitored through a collaborative effort with Innovate UK and BEIS.
The Future flight challenge (under the UKRI) establishes the aviation ecosystem required to accelerate the deployment of electric sub-regional aircraft, advanced air mobility vehicles, and drones within the UK.
- It collaborates with industry, academia, government, and regulatory bodies to revolutionize the ways in which we connect individuals, transport goods, and offer services.
- £125 million budget
- Partnered with Innovate UK (lead) and Economic and Social Research Council
Air Mobility Ecosystem Consortium (AMEC)
- Comprised of Vertical Aerospace, Skyports, and NATS, and engineering firm Atkins (AtkinsRéalis) , along with Connected Places Catapult and leading academic institutions Cranfield University and the University of Warwick.
- £9.5m in grants from the UKRI’s Future Flight Challenge for the creation of AMEC for the development, testing, and utilization of electric takeoff and landing (eVTOL) flight services, such as air taxis.
WMG (formerly Warwick Manufacturing Group), University of Warwick
- Conducts lithium-ion battery research for Vertical Aerospace’s VX-4 aircraft (battery fault diagnostic algorithms) as part of the AMEC consortium.
Net Zero goals
In 2019, the United Kingdom became the first significant economy to enact legislation establishing a target for Net Zero emissions by the year 2050. This initiative set a benchmark for our industry, which also pledged to achieve Net Zero in 2021, and we are currently engaged in a race to meet that objective.
Reaching Net Zero emissions by 2050 necessitates that the global aviation sector innovate aircraft utilizing new low or zero-carbon technologies, as well as establish the necessary infrastructure to facilitate their implementation. There exists a prospective global market for more energy-efficient commercial aircraft valued at £4.3 trillion from 2022 to 2050. The UK aerospace industry can grow its market share to nearly 18% within this £4.3 trillion global market.
More info:
Aerospace Technology Institute’s goal towards Net Zero: click here
Future flight vision and roadmap: click here
WMG of University of Warwick’s battery research for AMEC: click here