Vertical Completes World’s First Electric Public Airport-To-Airport Flight

Vertical Aerospace, a pioneer in electric aviation, has just made history. On July 16, 2025, the company successfully completed the world’s first piloted airport-to-airport flight by a full-scale, winged tilt-rotor electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for commercial service. The VX4 prototype flew 17 miles from Vertical’s Flight Test Centre at Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford, reaching speeds of 115 mph and altitudes of 1,800 feet, marking its first public landing.

This flight, approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority under its Flight Conditions and Permit to Fly framework, represents a major step forward for electric aviation. The flight integrated seamlessly with real-world airport operations, providing a tangible demonstration of how eVTOLs can be deployed at scale in the near future.

Simon Davies, Vertical’s Chief Test Pilot, who flew the full scale VX4 prototype, said: “Flying the VX4 from airport to airport is a major milestone, and a powerful demonstration of the real-world capability of the aircraft. To bring it to RIAT, among some of the world’s most advanced military aircraft, is a proud moment – and a powerful signal of the role that a new generation of aircraft will play in defense and special mission operations.”

Vertical showcased the VX4 at the recent Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world’s largest military air show. As the only electric aircraft at the event, the VX4 was front and center in Vertical’s push to unlock new applications in defense, logistics, and special missions. RIAT 2025 was expected to draw over 200,000 visitors and participants from more than 25 nations, giving Vertical a unique opportunity to engage with global aerospace leaders and defense stakeholders.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said: “RIAT is a global stage for the most advanced, mission ready aerospace technology, and we’re proud to showcase how electric aviation will supportthe future of defence. Our hybrid-electric roadmap unlocks new capabilities for military operations, and Vertical’s RIAT presence reinforces our commitment to playing a meaningful role in the future of military and special mission aviation.

Peter Reoch, Head of Air Operations at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, said, “Great to see
Vertical Aerospace and their prototype aircraft, which is based at Cotswold Airport, showing the innovation of aviation. It will be on static display for all three days at this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo and will show visitors the future of sustainable aviation and electric powered flight.”

Vertical is also highlighting its upcoming hybrid-electric VX4 variant, set for flight testing in Q2 2026. This long-range version will offer up to 1,000 miles of range, a tenfold increase over the all-electric VX4—and will be configurable for payloads up to 1,100 kg. Designed with stealth, crewed and un-crewed versatility, and resilience in mind, the hybrid VX4 will offer critical mission capabilities for government and military operations.

With over 1,500 pre-orders from major global airlines and partners like American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL, and Bristow, Vertical Aerospace is rapidly shaping the future of clean, quiet, and scalable air mobility.