UK electric aviation company Vertical Aerospace has made European history with the first-ever piloted wingborne flight of a winged eVTOL aircraft in open airspace.

The landmark flight of the VX4 prototype, piloted by chief test pilot Simon Davies, saw the aircraft take-off, fly and land like a conventional aircraft, with lift generated by the wing. Soaring across the UK countryside from Cotswold airport, the VX4 prototype demonstrated controlled wingborne flight in open airspace for the first time, marking a critical step toward commercial deployment as part of Vertical's Flightpath 2030 strategy.

The UK CAA approved the flight through open airspace at Cotswold airport, the UK's largest private airport, by extending Vertical's Permit to Fly. This followed a rigorous review of tens of thousands of pages of safety and technical documentation.

Chief test pilot Davies 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.

“There are aircraft that 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.”

Vertical is currently the only company globally flying a piloted winged eVTOL prototype that's been developed under a Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the CAA; a DOA is required to hold a type certificate and required for commercial passenger operations. The CAA is working closely with EASA for its concurrent validation and certifying the VX4 to the highest safety standards required for commercial use.

Stuart Simpson, CEO, Vertical Aerospace, explains: “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.”

This achievement has also been supported by early UK government investment through programmes including the Aerospace Technology Institute and the Future Flight Challenge. These initiatives have contributed to the development of Vertical's technology and flight test campaign, and form part of wider efforts to advance the UK's net zero and aerospace ambitions.

UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds comments: “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.”

In Phase 3 of testing, wingborne flight, the VX4 operates like a conventional aircraft using lift generated by its wings, rather than relying solely on rotor thrust. This low-power, quiet and range-efficient mode of flight is key to making electric air travel practical, scalable and economically viable.

By achieving stable and controlled wingborne flight, Vertical has taken a significant step toward the next major milestone: a full piloted transition flight, expected in the second half of 2025. This will demonstrate the VX4's ability to shift seamlessly between vertical lift and forward cruise, the operating mode it will use in passenger service.

During the wingborne flight phase, the VX4 will reach speeds of up to 150 mph (120 knots) and altitudes close to 2,000 ft under real-world conditions. Engineers have captured more than 30,000 in-flight data parameters, confirming the aircraft performed exceptionally across stability, control and energy usage.