BRISTOL, UK— Vertical Aerospace, a global leader in electric aviation, has completed the world’s first airport-to-airport piloted flight of a full-scale, winged tilt-rotor eVTOL designed for commercial use. The VX4 prototype successfully flew from Cotswold Airport (GBA) to RAF Fairford (FFD), marking a critical milestone for the company’s certification ambitions.
The 17-mile flight to the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025, the world’s largest military airshow, secured full approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) under specific Flight Conditions and Permit to Fly. The VX4 (Vertical Aerospace, EVTL) is the only electric aircraft on display at this major global defence event.
Photo: Vertical AerospaceVX4 Airport-to-Airport Flight
On 16 July 2025, the VX4 prototype, piloted by Vertical’s Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies, completed a landmark 17-mile journey from Vertical Aerospace’s Flight Test Centre at Cotswold Airport (GBA) to RAF Fairford (FFD).
The flight reached speeds of 115 mph and an altitude of 1,800 feet, showcasing the VX4’s real-world operational capability.
This achievement was the first time a full-scale piloted eVTOL with a winged tilt-rotor design had landed at a public location under normal flight operations.
A few thousand aviation enthusiasts witnessed the event, further underlining Vertical’s readiness to integrate electric aviation into existing airport infrastructure.
A Milestone for Electric Aviation Certification
The successful airport-to-airport flight marks a significant advancement in Vertical’s journey towards regulatory certification.
It is a critical step in demonstrating that electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft can safely operate between conventional airports, an essential requirement for future commercial air taxi services.
The test flight also showcased the aircraft’s compatibility with airspace protocols and real-world airport environments. This demonstration strengthens Vertical’s collaboration with aviation authorities, including the CAA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), as it progresses toward certification expected by 2028.
Photo: Vertical AerospaceVertical Aerospace’s Presence at RIAT 2025
The VX4 prototype is the only electric aircraft showcased at RIAT 2025, held from 18-20 July at RAF Fairford (FFD). This presence underscores Vertical’s strategic ambition to position its technology within both commercial and military sectors.
Vertical’s participation at RIAT provides a unique platform to engage with global defence stakeholders, investors, and aviation enthusiasts.
With over 200,000 visitors and participants from more than 25 nations, RIAT is a crucial venue for advancing the conversation on sustainable aviation and next-generation aircraft for special missions.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, highlighted the importance of this platform:
RIAT is a global stage for the most advanced, mission-ready aerospace technology. Showcasing the VX4 here reinforces our commitment to driving the future of electric aviation for defence and special missions.”
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace
Photo: Vertical AerospaceAdvancing Hybrid-Electric Capabilities for Defence
Vertical Aerospace is expanding its offerings with a hybrid-electric variant of the VX4, designed to enhance range and mission versatility for defence, logistics, and special missions. The company plans to retrofit one VX4 prototype with this hybrid propulsion system, with flight testing scheduled for Q2 2026.
Hybrid Variant Key Specifications:
- Range: Up to 1,000 miles, a tenfold increase over the all-electric VX4.
- Payload: Up to 1,100 kilograms.
- Stealth Features: Low noise and heat signatures are ideal for sensitive military missions.
- Flexible Operations: Capable of crewed, uncrewed, or remotely piloted missions.
- System Integration: Uncrewed capabilities supported by a flight control system developed in partnership with Honeywell.
This hybrid-electric roadmap positions Vertical as a leading innovator in military aviation, offering aircraft that are cleaner, quieter, and adaptable to a wide range of missions.
Photo: Vertical AerospacePartnerships and Pre-Orders
Vertical Aerospace has secured approximately 1,500 pre-orders for the VX4 across four continents, from notable airlines including:
- American Airlines (AA) – USA
- Bristow Group (BRS) – USA/Global
- GOL Linhas Aéreas (G3) – Brazil
- Japan Airlines (JL) – Japan
These pre-orders reflect significant confidence from commercial operators in the VX4’s potential to revolutionize urban and regional air mobility.
Additionally, Vertical’s collaborations with aerospace leaders such as GKN Aerospace, Honeywell, and Leonardo bolster the company’s capabilities in advanced propulsion, battery technology, and avionics.
About Vertical Aerospace
Founded in Bristol, UK—the heart of Britain’s aerospace industry—Vertical Aerospace is dedicated to creating a safer, cleaner, and quieter way to travel. The VX4 is a piloted, four-passenger eVTOL aircraft with zero operating emissions, designed for urban air mobility and special mission applications.
Vertical’s leadership team comprises veterans from Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GM, and Leonardo, bringing expertise that has contributed to over 30 certified civil and military aircraft programs.
The company continues to develop proprietary battery and propeller technology, ensuring the VX4 and its hybrid variant remain at the forefront of aviation innovation.
Photo: By Robert Myers (CC-BY-SA 3.0 AU), CC BY-SA 3.0 au, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=112429209The Future of Sustainable Aviation Displayed at RIAT
Peter Reoch, Head of Air Operations at the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, praised Vertical’s participation:
“Great to see Vertical Aerospace and their prototype aircraft, which is based at Cotswold Airport, showcasing aviation innovation. The VX4 on display at RIAT 2025 will demonstrate the future of sustainable and electric-powered flight.”
RIAT’s proceeds benefit the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, supporting aviation education and youth development, aligning with Vertical’s vision of inspiring the next generation of aerospace professionals.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
Saudia Orders 50 New Lilium eVTOL Jets, Options for 50 More
The post Vertical Aerospace VX4 eVTOL Makes First Airport-to-Airport Flight in the World appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
