UK-based electric aviation company Vertical Aerospace has hired Patrick Ky to its board of directors, strengthening the company's regulatory expertise and leadership in certification. The appointment is effective as of 1 September 2025.

Ky served as executive director of EASA from 2013 to 2023, where he led the agency through a decade of regulatory transformation and established EASA as a global reference point for aviation safety and innovation. Under his leadership, EASA developed the world's first comprehensive regulatory framework for eVTOL aircraft, SC-VTOL, published in 2019, creating a pathway for the certification of electric flight. He also set new safety standards for aircraft such as the Boeing 777X and Airbus A321XLR, and oversaw the safe return to service of the 737 MAX.

Vertical is targeting certification of its VX4 aircraft in 2028, concurrently with the CAA and EASA, meeting the highest safety and regulatory standards for eVTOLs globally. Ky joins an industry-leading line-up of regulatory expertise at Vertical, including Trevor Woods, former certification director at EASA, who is regulatory affairs director, and Eamonn Brennan, former director general of Eurocontrol, the organisation responsible for coordinating and managing air traffic control across Europe, who was appointed as a board advisor earlier this year.

Prior to EASA, Ky was executive director of the Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research (SESAR) Joint Undertaking, Europe's air traffic management modernisation programme. He has also held senior leadership roles at Eurocontrol and in the French civil aviation authority, DGAC. Patrick is currently chief executive officer of the International Centre for Aviation Innovation (ICAI), a global hub bringing together governments, industry and research institutions to co-develop innovative solutions for the future of air travel.

Patrick Ky, board director, says: “I am delighted to join Vertical Aerospace's board at such an exciting time for electric aviation. Having worked closely with industry and regulators worldwide on developing the standards for this new generation of aircraft, I believe Vertical is uniquely positioned to lead the sector through certification and into safe, sustainable commercial operations. I look forward to supporting the team as they bring the VX4 to market.”

Domhnal Slattery, chairman at Vertical Aerospace, said: “Patrick Ky is one of the most respected voices in aviation regulation and safety worldwide. His unparalleled expertise and leadership at EASA will be invaluable as Vertical advances its certifiable aircraft programme, creating the most exportable aircraft on the market. His appointment reinforces our commitment to achieving the highest regulatory and safety standards while delivering on the promise of electric aviation.”

Patrick's contributions to aviation have earned him numerous accolades, including The Glen A. Gilbert Memorial Award in 2013 and Aviation Week's Philip J. Klass Lifetime Achievement Award for his lasting contributions to aviation safety in 2025.