Vertical Aerospace Completes World-First Airport-to-Airport Flight

Vertical Aerospace eVTOL. © Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace completes world-first airport-to-airport flight of full-scale piloted eVTOL.

Vertical Aerospace, a leading electric aviation company, has made history by completing the world’s first airport-to-airport flight with a full-size, piloted winged tilt-rotor eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft) built for commercial use.

After receiving necessary approvals from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the VX4 prototype flew from Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford on July 16. The 17-mile flight reached speeds of up to 115 mph and an altitude of 1,800 feet. This was the VX4’s first public landing and marked a major step in bringing electric flight closer to everyday operations.

Vertical Aerospace eVTOL. © Vertical Aerospace

The aircraft will be on display at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world’s largest military airshow, from July 18 to 20. Its presence highlights its future potential not just in commercial aviation, but also in defence and special missions, especially following Vertical’s recent launch of its hybrid-electric programme.

This milestone demonstrates the VX4’s ability to operate within real airport environments and helps pave the way toward full certification and commercial rollout.