Vertical Aerospace welcomed the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s eVTOL Delivery Model which set out a regulatory pathway for commercial operations of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft in the UK from 2028.

The framework reaffirmed SC-VTOL as the certification basis, aligned to EASA standards, and set out a roadmap for rulemaking, aerodromes and training. The CAA confirmed that day and night visual and instrument flight rules would be permitted from the outset, provided pilots and aircraft were qualified, supporting reliable operations in varied conditions. It also committed to working with industry to enable deployment of hybrid propulsion systems such as the one under development at Vertical.

Trevor Woods, director of regulatory affairs at Vertical Aerospace, says: “We welcome the CAA’s eVTOL Delivery Model. It gives UK industry a clear pathway and timeline to initial commercial operations, reaffirms SC-VTOL as the certification basis, and confirms the framework will be in place to allow pilots and aircraft to fly Day/Night VFR and IFR from day one. That clarity on training, aerodromes and the rulemaking roadmap is exactly what’s needed to turn demonstrations into safe, scalable services from 2028.”

Vertical is engaged with all of the CAA’s eVTOL working groups to contribute to certification, operations, training and infrastructure planning. It also works closely with government and industry through the Future Flight Industry Group.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, adds: “This framework underscores the UK’s leadership in advanced air mobility, with the CAA laying the foundations for a safe, scalable and globally competitive ecosystem. With both Heathrow and Gatwick receiving the green light for expansion and Skyports advancing plans for a UK vertiport network, the road is being set for the UK to become a true leader in this industry. Vertical is proud to be working hand-in-hand with the regulator as we progress towards certification of our VX4 aircraft in 2028.”