The historic flight took place at Cotswold Airport in the United Kingdom, marking a significant advance in Vertical’s Flightpath 2030 strategy. Piloted by Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies, the VX4 transitioned smoothly into wingborne flight, soaring over the English countryside in what Davies described as “a real honour” and a “career highlight”.

Unlike conventional rotor-reliant vertical take-off vehicles, the VX4’s Phase 3 wingborne mode relies on lift generated by its wings — a critical factor for quiet, low-power, and range-efficient electric air travel. This configuration not only aligns with the industry’s drive toward sustainable mobility but also reflects the VX4’s readiness for commercial scaling.

“Taking the aircraft beyond the airfield and cruising over the Cotswolds for the first time was truly special,” said Davies. “It’s not just safe and capable—it’s enjoyable to fly. The aircraft is responsive, smooth, and quiet in the cockpit. An absolute pleasure.”

This landmark moment was made possible through approval by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which extended Vertical’s Permit to Fly after a detailed review of tens of thousands of pages of safety and technical documentation. The flight measured over 30,000 in-flight parameters and data points, confirming the VX4’s performance against predictions.

Vertical Aerospace remains the only company globally flying a piloted winged eVTOL prototype under a CAA-issued Design Organisation Approval (DOA), a prerequisite for securing a Type Certificate — the gateway to commercial passenger operations. Certification efforts are being closely coordinated with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), ensuring the highest safety standards.

“This is an important moment in our certification journey,” said Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace. “Every flight step is approved under the UK’s rigorous regulatory framework, which actually accelerates our path to type certification. Real-world piloted flights give us data no simulation can match.”

Backed by early UK government investment through the Aerospace Technology Institute and the Future Flight Challenge, Vertical’s success reflects the country’s commitment to net zero goals and cutting-edge aerospace innovation. Jonathan Reynolds, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, hailed the flight as “a fantastic milestone” for the UK’s industrial and green growth ambitions.

Key industry partners echoed this sentiment. Honeywell, whose Anthem avionics and flight control systems are embedded in the VX4, celebrated the achievement as “a defining moment for the industry”, while Bristow Group and American Airlines praised the flight as a major stride toward commercial readiness and sustainable travel.

The next milestone on the horizon is the VX4’s full piloted transition flight, scheduled for the second half of 2025. This crucial demonstration will showcase the aircraft’s ability to switch seamlessly from vertical lift to forward wingborne cruise — the operating mode intended for passenger service.

With its latest achievement, Vertical Aerospace has not only propelled the VX4 forward on its journey toward certification but also reinforced the UK’s position at the forefront of advanced air mobility.