Vertical Aerospace has welcomed the UK Department for Transport's announcement that funding has been awarded to projects working on next-generation zero-emission aircraft and the development of vertical take-off and landing technology.

Among the initiatives receiving support is the OxCam AAM Corridor demonstrator, which is bringing together the expertise of Skyports, Bristow Helicopters, NATS, Vertical Aerospace and Oxfordshire County Council, with the aim of accelerating the transition of advanced air mobility (AAM) from trials to commercially viable, regional operations within the UK. The project will culminate in planned test flights by Vertical Aerospace's VX4 aircraft.

Invested as part of the government's Future Flight programme, delivered by Innovate UK, the funding is designed to secure the UK's global leadership in the future of aviation.

Simon Masters, deputy challenge director for Future Flight at Innovate UK, says: “Innovate UK is proud to continue supporting the UK's future flight ecosystem, accelerating the route to commercial operations and delivering real-world impact. These ambitious new projects highlight the strength of the sector and its diverse applications, from reducing emissions, advancing healthcare delivery and protecting our environment. By focusing on regional adoption, we aim to drive faster, more impactful growth and societal benefits for communities across the UK.”

The government has committed GBP 2.3 billion in funding over the next 10 years to the Aerospace Technology Institute programme, which helps the sector to manufacture newer, more efficient, electric aircraft.

Michael Cervenka, chief commercial and strategy officer at Vertical Aerospace, states: “The UK is perfectly positioned to lead the next generation of sustainable aviation. By uniting world-class expertise in aircraft design, infrastructure, regulation and operations, this project shows how we can turn ambition into reality. Together, we are laying the groundwork for an entirely new mode of travel that will transform regional connectivity, support our economy and put Britain at the forefront of electric flight.”