Vertical’s VX4 Becomes First Full-Scale eVTOL to Fly Between Airports

Vertical Aerospace has achieved a major industry milestone with its full-scale electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the VX4, completing a piloted flight from Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford. This marks the world’s first airport-to-airport flight by a crewed eVTOL aircraft.

The 17-mile journey was flown at 115 miles per hour and an altitude of 1,800 feet. The aircraft is now showcased at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), becoming the only electric aircraft on display at the global defense aviation event.

Vertical’s VX4 features a tilt-rotor design and is currently being developed in both fully electric and hybrid-electric variants. The hybrid version is projected to have a range of up to 1,000 miles, which could open the door for military, cargo, and humanitarian applications.

CEO Stuart Simpson said the successful flight is not only a step forward for sustainable aviation but also a demonstration of the aircraft’s potential in both civilian and defense operations. “To fly VX4 from one airport to another with a pilot on board is a world-first and a major leap for the advanced air mobility industry,” he said.

With this historic flight, Vertical Aerospace positions itself as a frontrunner in the race to bring certified eVTOLs to market, pushing forward both commercial and strategic applications of electric flight.