Vertical Aerospace Completes World’s First Airport-to-Airport Flight with Full-Scale Electric Aircraft

Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company focused on electric aviation, has just made history by completing the world’s first airport-to-airport piloted flight using a full-scale, winged tilt-rotor electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for commercial use.

The VX4 prototype, developed by Vertical Aerospace and listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol EVTL, flew from the company’s Flight Test Centre at Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force station in the UK, on July 16, 2025. The flight covered a distance of 17 miles and reached speeds of 115mph with an altitude of 1800ft. This marked the first landing of the aircraft at a public location.

The successful inaugural flight, witnessed by thousands of aircraft enthusiasts, demonstrated the aircraft’s integration with real-world airport operations and further solidifies its potential for certified deployment. The flight was made possible after Vertical received Flight Conditions and Permit to Fly approvals from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies, who flew the full-scale VX4 prototype, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating that the flight was a major milestone and a powerful demonstration of the aircraft’s real-world capabilities. Davies also highlighted the significance of showcasing the aircraft at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world’s largest military air show, from July 18-20.

Vertical’s VX4 prototype is the only electric aircraft presence at the 2025 RIAT, which aligns with the company’s strategy to unlock new hybrid-electric applications for defense, logistics, and special missions. With the recent launch of its hybrid-electric variant, Vertical is set to deliver cleaner, quieter, and more versatile solutions for a range of government and military use cases.

The hybrid-electric variant, set for certification in 2028, will be adapted from the all-electric VX4 and offer a range of up to 1,000 miles, a payload capacity of up to 1,100 kilograms, and low noise and heat signatures, making it ideal for sensitive missions. The aircraft can be operated with or without a pilot and is built on the VX4’s industry-leading redundancy and damage tolerance, ensuring mission resilience.

Vertical’s CEO Stuart Simpson highlighted the company’s commitment to playing a meaningful role in the future of military and special mission aviation. He also emphasized the importance of Vertical’s presence at RIAT, which is expected to attract over 200,000 visitors and provide a valuable platform to engage defense stakeholders, investors, and the global aerospace community.

The VX4 prototype will be on display at RIAT from July 18-20 and is expected to draw attention to the company’s strength in partnering with leading aerospace companies, including GKN, Honeywell, and Leonardo, and developing its own proprietary battery and propeller