Vertical Aerospace has made European aviation history by completing the first piloted wingborne flight of a winged eVTOL in open airspace. The VX4 prototype flew from Cotswold Airport, taking off, flying and landing like a conventional aircraft using wing-generated lift.

Chief test pilot Simon Davies flew the aircraft. He says: “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.”

The UK Civil Aviation Authority granted an extension to Vertical’s Permit to Fly after a detailed safety and technical review. Vertical is currently the only company with a piloted winged eVTOL under a UK CAA Design Organisation Approval. This is required for type certification, which allows future commercial operations.

CEO Stuart Simpson says: “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.”

This flight marks Phase 3 of the test programme. The VX4 reached 150 mph and nearly 2,000 ft, gathering over 30,000 flight data parameters. Vertical completed extensive simulation and ground testing in advance, including fatigue tests on the blades, battery safety trials, and 3,000 hours on flight control systems.

The programme received support from the UK government through the Aerospace Technology Institute and Future Flight Challenge. Secretary of State Jonathan Reynolds says: “Breakthroughs like this show how government and business can work together to keep the UK at the cutting edge of innovation.”

Honeywell, Bristow Group and American Airlines all praised the milestone. A full piloted transition flight is scheduled for the second half of 2025.