Electric Aircraft
Honeywell and Vertical Aerospace Advance eVTOL Certification for Urban Air Mobility
Honeywell and Vertical Aerospace expand partnership to accelerate certification of VX4 eVTOL aircraft, targeting 2028 commercial launch for sustainable urban transport.
The aerospace industry is undergoing a transformative shift, with electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft poised to redefine urban mobility. At the forefront of this evolution is the partnership between UK-based Vertical Aerospace and American aerospace conglomerate Honeywell. In April 2025, the two companies expanded their strategic collaboration to accelerate the certification and commercialization of Vertical’s VX4 eVTOL platform. This move is more than a business agreement, it’s a signal of how legacy aerospace expertise and startup innovation are converging to shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
The VX4, Vertical Aerospace’s flagship aircraft, is designed to offer sustainable, safe, and efficient air transport in congested urban environments. With over 1,500 pre-orders and a projected $1 billion in contract value with Honeywell through 2035, the partnership is a milestone in the eVTOL sector’s journey toward commercial viability. The collaboration focuses on integrating Honeywell’s state-of-the-art avionics and fly-by-wire systems, crucial for meeting the stringent certification standards set by aviation regulators.
As cities worldwide grapple with traffic congestion and carbon emissions, the potential of eVTOLs to provide cleaner and faster alternatives to ground transportation is gaining traction. The Honeywell-Vertical Aerospace partnership exemplifies the type of cross-sector cooperation needed to bring these futuristic solutions to market safely and efficiently.
Founded in 2016 by Stephen Fitzpatrick, CEO of OVO Energy, Vertical Aerospace began with a mission to decarbonize aviation through electric propulsion. Early prototypes like the VA-X1 and VA-X2, unveiled in 2018 and 2019 respectively, showcased the feasibility of eVTOL technology using multicopter designs. However, by 2020, the company pivoted to a vectored-thrust configuration, culminating in the development of the VX4—a five-seat aircraft optimized for urban air mobility.
Key milestones in Vertical’s journey include securing approximately 1,500 pre-orders from major airlines such as American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic. In January 2025, the company achieved piloted thrustborne flight maneuvers, a critical benchmark in the certification process. These maneuvers, including rolling, yawing, and spot turns, demonstrate the aircraft’s control and stability during vertical flight.
The VX4’s development reflects a broader industry trend of startups leveraging agile innovation cycles to challenge traditional aerospace norms. Vertical’s ability to attract global partners and customers underscores the market’s confidence in its long-term vision.
“By integrating production-ready technologies, we’re building an aircraft that meets the highest safety standards, solidifying its certifiability across global markets.” — Stuart Simpson, CEO, Vertical Aerospace
Honeywell Aerospace, a division of Honeywell International, brings over 80 years of experience in avionics, flight control systems, and safety-critical technologies. The Anthem flight deck, introduced in 2021, represents a fifth-generation cockpit system emphasizing modularity, connectivity, and AI-driven decision support. This system is central to the VX4’s flight management capabilities.
Since 2019, Honeywell has been a key partner in Vertical’s development roadmap, supplying the flight management system and fly-by-wire technology for the VX4. The company’s deep regulatory knowledge and proven track record in aerospace systems integration make it an ideal collaborator for the rigorous certification journey ahead. Honeywell’s involvement extends beyond hardware. Its expertise in cross-regional certification protocols and aerospace-grade manufacturing is instrumental in preparing the VX4 for scalable production and international deployment.
The April 2025 agreement between Honeywell and Vertical Aerospace expands their collaboration into three critical areas: systems integration, certification frameworks, and production readiness. Honeywell’s Anthem flight deck and fly-by-wire systems will undergo extensive testing to meet the Special Condition for VTOL (SC-VTOL) standards set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Joint certification teams are aligning testing protocols with the requirements of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This harmonized approach is designed to streamline the approval process across multiple jurisdictions, a key factor in achieving global market access.
On the production side, Vertical’s Bristol-based Vertical Energy Center will scale the manufacturing of batteries and propulsion systems using Honeywell’s aerospace-grade supply chain. This integration of production capabilities is a critical step toward achieving commercial operations by 2028.
The VX4 is engineered for short-range urban missions with a focus on safety, efficiency, and low environmental impact. It features eight electric motors that deliver a 20% improved power-to-weight ratio, enabling a cruising speed of 150 mph and a range of approximately 100 miles. These specifications make it suitable for intercity routes as well as urban commutes.
Its avionics suite, powered by Honeywell’s Anthem system, includes customizable touchscreen interfaces and AI-enabled decision-support tools. The aircraft also incorporates redundant fly-by-wire controls and energy-absorbing landing gear to enhance safety during critical flight phases.
These technical features are not only aimed at meeting regulatory requirements but also at building public trust in the new mode of transportation. Safety, reliability, and user experience are central to the VX4’s design philosophy.
“Our shared commitment to reliability and safety will unlock scalable solutions for urban air mobility.” — David Shilliday, VP of Advanced Air Mobility, Honeywell
Vertical Aerospace has secured over 1,500 pre-orders for the VX4, representing a potential revenue of $6 billion. These orders come from a diverse range of customers across four continents, reflecting strong global interest in eVTOL solutions. The expanded partnership with Honeywell is projected to generate $1 billion in revenue through 2035. Analysts estimate the global AAM market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.6%, reaching $137 billion by 2035. This growth is driven by urban congestion, environmental concerns, and advances in battery technology. eVTOLs like the VX4 are positioned to become a cornerstone of this emerging ecosystem.
Juniper Research forecasts that AAM-related revenue could approach $6 billion by 2030, with urban air mobility services potentially reducing commute times by up to 50%. These projections underscore the economic and societal benefits of transitioning to electric aviation.
The partnership between Honeywell and Vertical Aerospace represents a significant step toward realizing the vision of sustainable, scalable urban air transport. By combining Honeywell’s deep aerospace expertise with Vertical’s innovative design and agile development, the VX4 project is well-positioned to meet the complex demands of certification and commercialization.
Looking ahead, the success of this collaboration could serve as a blueprint for future AAM initiatives. As the industry navigates regulatory challenges and public scrutiny, strategic partnerships like this one will be essential for building the trust and infrastructure needed to make eVTOLs a mainstream transportation option.
What is the VX4? When will the VX4 be commercially available? What role does Honeywell play in the VX4 project?
Honeywell and Vertical Aerospace Deepen Certification Partnership
Historical Context and Technological Foundations
Vertical Aerospace’s Journey
Honeywell’s Aerospace Expertise
Strategic Collaboration and Certification Pathway
Expanded Partnership Scope
Technical Specifications of the VX4
Market Potential and Financial Outlook
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Urban Air Mobility
FAQ
The VX4 is a five-seat electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developed by Vertical Aerospace for urban air mobility.
Vertical Aerospace aims to begin commercial operations of the VX4 by 2028, pending regulatory approvals.
Honeywell provides the flight management system, including the Anthem flight deck and fly-by-wire controls, and supports certification and production readiness.
Sources
Photo Credit: AviationInternationalNews
Electric Aircraft
Beyond Aero Advances Hydrogen-Electric Business Jet Design Milestone
Beyond Aero reaches a critical design milestone for its hydrogen-electric business jet, expanding engineering teams and securing hydrogen infrastructure partnerships.
This article is based on an official press release from Beyond Aero.
French hydrogen aviation startup Beyond Aero has reached a critical design milestone for its upcoming hydrogen-electric business jet, signaling a maturation in both its supply chain and engineering efforts. In a recent company press release, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) detailed its progress in aircraft development and the parallel rollout of necessary ground infrastructure.
The transition to hydrogen propulsion represents a major shift for the aviation industry, requiring not just new aircraft architectures but entirely new fuel ecosystems. We are seeing Beyond Aero attempt to tackle both challenges simultaneously, ensuring that its clean-sheet aircraft will have the necessary refueling support upon its projected entry into service.
According to the official release, the company is aggressively expanding its technical capabilities and forging strategic partnerships to derisk the deployment of gaseous hydrogen for business aviation.
Developing a first-of-its-kind hydrogen-electric aircraft requires significant engineering resources. The press release notes that Beyond Aero now employs more than 80 aerospace engineers who are entirely dedicated to the program.
Industry estimates from Aerospace Global News indicate the aircraft is targeting a range of 800 nautical miles and a six-passenger capacity. Furthermore, the aircraft has an estimated entry into service in 2030, according to reporting by Flight Global. By building a dedicated workforce of over 80 specialists, the OEM is positioning itself to navigate the complex certification pathways required by European regulators.
A primary hurdle for hydrogen aviation is the lack of existing airport infrastructure. To address this, Beyond Aero is developing its aircraft alongside the required hydrogen ground systems. According to the company’s press release, the OEM has signed more than 10 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with airport operators.
Furthermore, the company has secured over 16 MoUs with hydrogen production and distribution partners. These agreements are designed to support the logistical planning and supply chain maturity necessary for reliable gaseous hydrogen delivery at commercial airports. To maximize operational flexibility, Beyond Aero has engineered its aircraft to be compatible with multiple refueling standards. As stated in the official announcement:
The aircraft is designed to operate using both 700-bar hydrogen infrastructure and 350-bar mobile refuelling systems, enabling operational deployment from existing airports.
This dual compatibility is a strategic decision by the OEM, allowing early adopters to utilize the aircraft before permanent, high-pressure hydrogen stations are widely constructed.
We view Beyond Aero’s dual-track approach, developing the aircraft while simultaneously securing the fuel supply chain, as a pragmatic response to the realities of the hydrogen aviation market. The reliance on 350-bar mobile refueling systems is particularly notable. It provides a vital stopgap that allows operators to fly the aircraft without waiting for airports to invest in expensive, permanent 700-bar infrastructure. Combined with a substantial engineering workforce and over $44 million in total funding raised to date (as reported by Aerospace Global News), the French startup is building a credible foundation for its 2030 service entry target. However, the sheer volume of MoUs will eventually need to translate into binding infrastructure investments to make widespread hydrogen flight a reality.
Beyond Aero is a French aviation startup developing a clean-sheet, hydrogen-electric light business jet designed for zero direct emissions in flight.
According to their press release, Beyond Aero has signed over 10 MoUs with airport operators and more than 16 with hydrogen producers. The aircraft is also designed to use 350-bar mobile refueling systems, allowing it to operate at airports without permanent hydrogen stations.
The company currently employs more than 80 aerospace engineers dedicated to the aircraft program.
Engineering and Design Maturation
Expanding the Technical Workforce
Hydrogen Infrastructure Integration
Ground Support and Strategic Partnerships
Dual-Pressure Refueling Capabilities
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beyond Aero?
How is the company addressing the lack of hydrogen at airports?
How many engineers are working on the project?
Sources
Photo Credit: Beyond Aero
Electric Aircraft
Joby Aviation Piloted Electric Air Taxi Flight Launches 2026 Tour
Joby Aviation completed a piloted electric air taxi flight over San Francisco Bay, starting its 2026 Electric Skies Tour and advancing FAA certification.
This article is based on an official press release from Joby Aviation.
Joby Aviation has successfully completed a piloted demonstration flight of its electric air taxi across the San Francisco Bay Area, marking a highly visible milestone for the emerging electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) industry. According to a company press release, the flight showcased the aircraft’s operational readiness against the backdrop of one of the world’s most recognizable skylines.
The demonstration serves as the official launch of the company’s 2026 Electric Skies Tour, a nationwide initiative designed to coincide with the United States’ 250th anniversary. By flying in a region notorious for heavy traffic congestion, Joby aims to highlight the practical benefits of its emissions-free aviation technology.
Departing from Oakland International Airport, the Joby aircraft, tail number N545JX, was piloted by Andrea Pingitore. The company stated that the air taxi flew quietly across the San Francisco Bay, heading toward the Golden Gate Bridge before turning above the Marin Headlands.
The flight is the first of many planned for the 2026 Electric Skies Tour. Joby expects to present its aircraft in multiple cities across the country, demonstrating the potential for air taxis to connect communities faster and with less noise than traditional Helicopters.
“The Bay Area is home to the world’s most innovative companies, including Joby, but it’s also an area with significant traffic and unique geographical barriers. Our technology provides an opportunity to build on the immense potential of this region while protecting it for the next generation.”
This statement was provided by JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby, in the official release.
Beyond the ceremonial flight, Joby Aviation shared several operational updates. The company reported that its fleet has completed thousands of test flights, accumulating more than 50,000 miles. Furthermore, Joby recently flew its first FAA-conforming aircraft for Type Inspection Authorization, a critical step that clears the way for Federal Aviation Administration pilots to conduct formal testing later this year.
Joby has also been selected to participate in the White House-backed eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). According to the press release, this Partnerships will allow the company to commence early operations across 10 states, including Arizona, Florida, New York, and Texas. To support its commercial rollout, Joby is scaling its Manufacturing footprint. The company recently acquired a 700,000-square-foot facility in Dayton, Ohio. Alongside existing sites in California, the Dayton plant is designed to help increase production to four aircraft per month by 2027, with an eventual target of delivering up to 500 aircraft annually.
We view the San Francisco Bay flight as a strategic marketing move for Joby Aviation, but it is underpinned by tangible regulatory and manufacturing progress. The accumulation of 50,000 test miles and the initiation of FAA Type Inspection Authorization testing indicate that the company is moving from the conceptual phase into late-stage certification. The expansion into a 700,000-square-foot facility in Ohio also demonstrates a necessary shift toward scaled manufacturing, which remains one of the most significant hurdles for the broader eVTOL sector.
According to the company, it is a national showcase by Joby Aviation, timed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, featuring demonstration flights of its electric air taxi in cities across the country.
Joby operates production and powertrain facilities in Marina and San Carlos, California, and recently acquired a 700,000-square-foot facility in Dayton, Ohio, to scale production to an expected 500 aircraft per year over time.
The Golden Gate Flight and 2026 Tour
Production and Regulatory Milestones
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 Electric Skies Tour?
Where is Joby manufacturing its aircraft?
Sources
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation
Electric Aircraft
Ascendance Completes Structural Build of Full-Scale ATEA Hybrid VTOL
Ascendance Flight Technologies completes the full-scale structure of its ATEA hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft, advancing toward first flight and certification.
This article is based on an official press release from Ascendance Flight Technologies.
Ascendance Flight Technologies has officially announced a major industrial achievement in the development of its ATEA aircraft. On February 23, 2026, the Toulouse-based manufacturers confirmed the structural completion of its full-scale hybrid-electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) demonstrator. This development marks the transition from the design and sub-scale testing phase into full industrial integration.
According to the company’s announcement, the physical airframe, comprising the fuselage, wings, and tail, is now fully assembled at Ascendance’s hangar in Toulouse, France. The structure was manufactured by the DUQUEINE Group, a specialist in aeronautical composite structures. With the airframe complete, the program now moves into the final integration phase, where propulsion systems, avionics, and flight controls will be installed ahead of ground and flight testing.
The completion of the full-scale structure represents a shift for Ascendance from digital engineering to physical hardware. The company, founded in 2018 by four former members of the Airbus E-Fan team, has positioned the ATEA as a pragmatic solution for regional air mobility. By securing a top-tier industrial partner like DUQUEINE for the manufacturing process, Ascendance aims to demonstrate that its design is ready for the rigors of certification and mass production.
Jean-Christophe Lambert, CEO of Ascendance Flight Technologies, emphasized the weight of this milestone in a statement regarding the announcement:
“ATEA is not just an aircraft, it is the demonstrator of a complete architecture… This milestone represents the transformation of an engineering program into a tangible industrial reality.”
, Jean-Christophe Lambert, CEO of Ascendance Flight Technologies
The prototype is now set to receive its specific “Lift-plus-Cruise” propulsion components. This configuration utilizes eight rotors integrated into the wings (Fan-in-Wing technology) for vertical maneuvers and two horizontal propellers for cruise flight. Notably, the design avoids tilting mechanisms to reduce mechanical complexity and certification risks.
The ATEA is designed as a five-seat aircraft (one pilot plus four passengers) powered by the company’s proprietary STERNA hybrid-electric system. This system combines a thermal turbogenerator with battery packs, allowing the aircraft to utilize existing fuel infrastructure, such as Jet-A1 or SAF, while significantly reducing emissions and noise. According to technical specifications released by the company, the ATEA targets the following performance metrics:
The hybrid approach allows for in-flight battery charging, addressing the range anxiety and charging infrastructure limitations that currently constrain pure electric VTOL (eVTOL) competitors.
In our view, Ascendance’s progress highlights a growing divergence in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector between pure electric and hybrid architectures. While competitors like Joby and Archer are betting on battery density improvements for short-range urban hops, Ascendance is targeting the regional market with a hybrid powertrain.
This “pragmatic” approach, as described by the company, effectively bypasses the immediate need for a global high-speed charging network. By offering a 400 km range today using existing fuel logistics, the ATEA may find faster adoption in medical transport, regional logistics, and business aviation sectors where range and turnaround time are critical. The structural completion suggests that the company is executing on this strategy, moving toward a first flight that will validate whether the hybrid promise holds up in full-scale operations.
Ascendance Flight Technologies reports significant commercial interest in the ATEA program. As of February 2026, the company holds Letters of Intent (LOI) valued at over $2 billion USD, representing approximately 632 aircraft. Customers include operators such as Green Aerolease, Finistair, Yugo Global Industries, and Leman Aviation.
Looking ahead, the integration of the STERNA propulsion system and avionics is the immediate priority. While previous estimates suggested an earlier timeline, the current structural completion in early 2026 places the first flight of the full-scale prototype as the next major milestone, likely occurring later in 2026 or 2027. The company is targeting EASA certification and entry into service around 2029.
The project continues to rely on a robust ecosystem of partners, including Safran Electrical & Power, which supplies the ENGINeUS™ electric motors, and Capgemini Engineering. Additionally, Ascendance leads the L.I.M.E Consortium, supported by a €5 million grant from the Clean Aviation Program to develop aviation-grade battery systems.
The ATEA is a 5-seat hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft designed for regional travel. It uses a “Lift-plus-Cruise” configuration with eight vertical rotors for takeoff and landing, and two horizontal propellers for forward flight.
With the structure completed in February 2026, the aircraft is entering the final integration phase. The first flight of the full-scale prototype is expected to follow the completion of ground testing, likely later in 2026 or 2027. The STERNA system combines a thermal turbogenerator with batteries. This allows the aircraft to refuel using standard aviation fuels (like Jet-A1 or SAF) for extended range while using electric power for quiet, efficient flight.
Ascendance Completes Structural Build of Full-Scale ATEA Hybrid VTOL
From Concept to Industrial Hardware
Technical Specifications and Hybrid Strategy
AirPro News Analysis: The Hybrid Advantage
Commercial Traction and Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ATEA aircraft?
When will the ATEA fly?
How does the hybrid system work?
Sources
Photo Credit: Ascendance
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