Vertical Aerospace advances VX4 flight testing targeting 2028 certification

Vertical Aerospace Gears Up for Critical Flight Phase, Targeting 2028 Certification

The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector is watching closely as Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) prepares to enter a pivotal stage of its VX4 aircraft’s development. The UK-based firm announced in its third-quarter update on November 4, 2025, that it is on the cusp of beginning transition flight testing, a critical step toward certifying its electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This phase will test the VX4’s ability to shift from vertical, helicopter-like flight to conventional, wing-borne flight, a fundamental capability for eVTOL designs. The successful completion of this phase is a significant milestone on the path to commercial operations.

Vertical’s progress underscores a broader industry trend of moving from design and prototyping to the rigorous, multi-year process of Certification. The company’s target for certifying its all-electric VX4 is now set for 2028, a timeline that reflects the complexities of meeting stringent aviation safety standards. This journey is not just a technical challenge but also a significant financial undertaking. Vertical has emphasized its commitment to financial discipline, maintaining its 2025 net operating cash outflow guidance of $110–$125 million. This focus on capital efficiency is crucial in a competitive landscape where numerous companies are vying to bring eVTOLs to market.

The company’s strategy is built on a foundation of deep collaboration with regulatory bodies. Vertical’s engineering and test teams have been working closely with the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), having already satisfied 200 of the CAA’s Minimum Safe Aircraft requirements. This proactive engagement, combined with strategic additions to its leadership, signals a clear focus on navigating the complex regulatory pathway that lies ahead. The recent appointment of the former head of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to its board further solidifies this commitment.

The Path to Certification and Flight Testing Momentum

The upcoming transition flight tests represent the culmination of extensive preparation. Vertical Aerospace has stated that this crucial phase could begin “as soon as this week,” with the ultimate goal of achieving full transition flights before the end of 2025. This is the moment where the aircraft’s innovative design is proven in the air, demonstrating its seamless shift from vertical lift, powered by its four tilting front rotors, to forward flight, propelled by its four rear rotors and supported by its wings. It’s a make-or-break step that validates the core principles of the VX4’s design.

Looking beyond the immediate milestones, Vertical is also planning for the future of its platform. Testing for a hybrid-electric variant of the VX4 is scheduled for 2026. This parallel development track indicates a pragmatic approach, acknowledging the current limitations of battery technology and the market’s need for aircraft with greater range and mission flexibility. The hybrid model is intended to broaden the VX4’s operational capabilities, potentially opening up new routes and use cases that are beyond the reach of purely electric aircraft today.

The certification timeline of 2028 is an ambitious but structured goal. The process is methodical, with key stages like the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) already completed for 75% of the aircraft’s components. The next major step is the Critical Design Review (CDR), expected in mid-2026, which will lock in the final design and supply chain. This structured approach, working in lockstep with regulators, is essential for ensuring the VX4 meets the highest safety standards required for commercial passenger service.

The appointment of Patrick Ky, former Executive Director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), to the Board of Directors brings a wealth of regulatory and certification experience, reinforcing the company’s focus on navigating the complex path to market.

Aircraft Design and Strategic Business Planning

Alongside its testing progress, Vertical has offered a first look at the VX4’s cabin design, which it claims will be the largest in its class. The design emphasizes space and flexibility, featuring a standard four-passenger layout with a unique option for a six-seat configuration. The inclusion of an observer seat next to the pilot and a dedicated cargo hold capable of carrying both cabin and check-in sized bags highlights a focus on practical, real-world applications. With a target payload capacity of 550kg (over 1,200 lbs), the VX4 is being positioned as a versatile aircraft for urban and regional air mobility.

The company’s Manufacturing strategy is equally deliberate, based on a modular, kit-assembly model. This approach is designed for scalability and efficiency. Initial low-rate production will take place at an expanded facility at Cotswold Airport, which is expected to produce more than 25 VX4 aircraft annually. This measured ramp-up allows Vertical to refine its production processes while moving through the final stages of certification, ensuring that it is ready to meet market demand once the aircraft is approved for service.

From a business perspective, Vertical maintains a strong, albeit conditional, Orders book of approximately 1,500 pre-orders from major Airlines and operators like American Airlines and Japan Airlines. It is important to note that these pre-orders are not legally binding and can be terminated without penalty, a common practice in the nascent eVTOL industry. The company’s financial strategy remains focused on prudent cash management, as detailed during its Capital Markets Day on September 17, 2025, where it outlined the anticipated capital required to reach certification in 2028.

Conclusion: A Disciplined Approach to an Ambitious Goal

Vertical Aerospace’s third-quarter update paints a picture of a company making steady, calculated progress toward its goal of pioneering electric aviation. The imminent start of transition flight testing is a critical validation point for its VX4 aircraft, while the clear roadmap toward a 2028 certification provides a tangible, albeit challenging, target. The company’s dual focus on both all-electric and hybrid-electric variants demonstrates a strategic foresight, preparing for a market that will demand both zero-emission performance and extended operational range.

The journey ahead is long and capital-intensive, and the entire AAM sector faces significant hurdles in terms of regulation, public acceptance, and infrastructure development. However, Vertical’s disciplined financial management, strong regulatory engagement, and focus on a practical, high-capacity aircraft design position it as a serious contender in this transformative industry. As the VX4 takes to the skies for its transition flights, it carries not just the ambitions of a single company, but a significant part of the broader vision for a new era of aviation.

FAQ

Question: What is the VX4?
Answer: The VX4 is a piloted, zero-operating-emissions, electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft being developed by Vertical Aerospace. It is designed to carry a pilot and four to six passengers.

Question: When does Vertical Aerospace expect to certify the VX4?
Answer: The company is targeting certification for the all-electric VX4 aircraft in 2028.

Question: What is “transition flight testing”?
Answer: It is a critical flight phase for an eVTOL aircraft where it demonstrates its ability to shift from vertical, lift-based flight (like a helicopter) to horizontal, wing-borne flight (like a conventional airplane).

Question: Does Vertical Aerospace have any orders for the VX4?
Answer: As of November 4, 2025, the company reports approximately 1,500 pre-orders for the VX4. However, these pre-orders are not legally binding.

Sources

• Vertical Aerospace Provides Third Quarter Update