UK-based Vertical Aerospace has marked a significant milestone in electric aviation by successfully completing the world’s first piloted airport-to-airport flight of a full-scale, winged tilt-rotor eVTOL aircraft designed for commercial use.

The company’s VX4 prototype flew from Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford, covering a distance of 17 miles at speeds of up to 115 mph and reaching an altitude of 1,800 feet. The landmark flight took place on 16 July following the necessary approvals under Flight Conditions and Permit to Fly issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

This historic journey marks the VX4’s first public landing and demonstrates the aircraft’s potential for integration into existing airport infrastructure, bringing fully electric aviation one step closer to real-world commercial deployment.

“This airport-to-airport flight is a major step forward and a compelling showcase of the VX4’s operational capability,” said Simon Davies, Chief Test Pilot at Vertical Aerospace, who was at the controls during the flight. “Arriving at the Royal International Air Tattoo alongside some of the world’s most sophisticated aircraft is both an honour and a strong indicator of how next-generation eVTOLs can contribute to defence and special missions.”

The flight culminated in a high-profile arrival at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world’s largest military airshow, where the VX4 is being featured as the only electric aircraft on display from 18–20 July.

A hybrid-electric future

Vertical is also making significant strides toward hybrid-electric propulsion. Its upcoming VX4 hybrid-electric variant, currently in development at the Vertical Energy Centre, is expected to begin flight tests in Q2 2026. Designed for longer-range, high-performance missions, this variant will extend the aircraft’s capabilities substantially:

  • Range: Up to 1,000 miles, nearly ten times the distance of the current all-electric version
  • Payload: Configurable for up to 1,100 kilograms, enabling a wider range of logistics and military missions
  • Mission Flexibility: Adaptable for crewed, uncrewed, or remotely piloted operations, with seamless integration into Honeywell’s advanced Flight Control System
  • Stealth and Resilience: Reduced noise and heat signatures, plus robust damage tolerance and redundancy for mission-critical applications

Peter Reoch, Head of Air Operations at the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, praised the company’s innovation: “It’s fantastic to have Vertical Aerospace at RIAT this year. Their VX4 prototype offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable aviation and shows how electric-powered flight can become a reality.”

Pioneering a new era in aviation

As electric and hybrid-electric aircraft transition from concept to certification, Vertical Aerospace is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable flight innovation. With the successful piloted flight between two active airports and a prominent showcase at RIAT, the company continues to demonstrate that zero-emissions air mobility is not just a vision, but a fast-approaching reality.