Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL), a UK-based leader in electric aviation, has achieved a historic milestone.
It completed the world’s first piloted airport-to-airport flight using a full-scale, winged tilt-rotor electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for commercial use.
This historic flight showcases the potential of electric aviation and marks a significant step toward sustainable, innovative air travel.
Historic Flight to the Royal International Air Tattoo
On July 16, 2025, Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 prototype flew 17 miles from its Flight Test Centre at Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force base also used by the United States Air Force.
The aircraft reached speeds of 115 mph and an altitude of 1,800 feet during the journey. This flight marked the VX4’s first landing at a public location, demonstrating its ability to integrate seamlessly with real-world airport operations.
The flight took place ahead of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world’s largest military air show, held from July 18-20, 2025.
The VX4 prototype was the only electric aircraft featured at RIAT. It was viewed by thousands of aviation enthusiasts, industry leaders, and defence stakeholders.
This debut highlights Vertical Aerospace’s commitment to advancing electric aviation for commercial, military, and special mission applications.
Simon Davies, Vertical’s Chief Test Pilot, piloted the VX4 during this historic flight. “Flying the VX4 from one airport to another is a major milestone,” Davies said. “It showcases the aircraft’s real-world capabilities.”
“Displaying it at RIAT alongside the world’s most advanced military aircraft is a proud moment. It signals the vital role next-generation aircraft will play in defense and special missions.”
Showcasing Electric Aviation at RIAT
The VX4’s presence at RIAT 2025 highlights Vertical Aerospace’s mission to transform aviation with cleaner, quieter, and more versatile solutions.
As the only electric aircraft at the event, the VX4 stood out among traditional aerospace technologies. RIAT, which attracts over 200,000 visitors from more than 25 countries, provided a global platform for Vertical to engage with defence stakeholders, investors, and the aerospace community.
Peter Reoch, Head of Air Operations at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, praised Vertical’s innovation. “It’s fantastic to see Vertical Aerospace’s prototype, based at Cotswold Airport, showcasing aviation’s future,” Reoch said.
“On display for all three days at RIAT, it highlights sustainable aviation and the potential of electric powered flight.”
Proceeds from RIAT, organized by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, support aviation education and youth development.
The VX4 Hybrid-Electric Variant
Vertical Aerospace is also advancing its hybrid-electric technology. A new long-range VX4 variant actively redefines aviation capabilities.
Developed over 18 months at the Vertical Energy Centre, the hybrid propulsion system will be integrated into a VX4 prototype. Flight testing is planned for Q2 2026. The hybrid-electric VX4, targeting certification in 2028, offers impressive features:
- Extended Range: Up to 1,000 miles, a tenfold increase over the all-electric VX4.
- High Payload: Configurable to carry up to 1,100 kilograms, leveraging the VX4’s leading airframe capacity.
- Stealth Advantages: Low noise and heat signatures, ideal for sensitive missions.
- Flexible Operations: Supports crewed, uncrewed, or remote operations, integrated with Honeywell’s Flight Control System.
- Mission Resilience: Built with industry leading redundancy and damage tolerance for critical operations.
This hybrid-electric variant positions Vertical to meet diverse needs in defence, logistics, and special missions. It offers cleaner and quieter alternatives to traditional aircraft.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, explained the company’s role in shaping aviation’s future. “RIAT is a global stage for cutting-edge aerospace technology,” Simpson said.
“We’re proud to demonstrate how electric aviation can support defence operations. Our hybrid-electric roadmap unlocks new possibilities for military missions, and our presence at RIAT reinforces our commitment to this vision.”
Conclusion
The successful airport-to-airport flight and RIAT showcase mark a pivotal moment for Vertical Aerospace.
By pushing the boundaries of electric and hybrid-electric aviation, the company is paving the way for sustainable, versatile, and mission-ready aircraft.
As Vertical continues to innovate, the VX4 and its hybrid variant are set to transform the skies for commercial, military, and special mission applications.
