Technology & Innovation
Vertical Aerospace advances VX4 flight testing targeting 2028 certification
Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 eVTOL nears transition flight testing as it targets certification in 2028 with focus on safety and innovation.
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 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.
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.
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.
Question: What is the VX4? Question: When does Vertical Aerospace expect to certify the VX4? Question: What is “transition flight testing”? Question: Does Vertical Aerospace have any orders for the VX4?
Vertical Aerospace Gears Up for Critical Flight Phase, Targeting 2028 Certification
The Path to Certification and Flight Testing Momentum
Aircraft Design and Strategic Business Planning
Conclusion: A Disciplined Approach to an Ambitious Goal
FAQ
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.
Answer: The company is targeting certification for the all-electric VX4 aircraft in 2028.
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).
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
Photo Credit: Vertical Aerospace
Technology & Innovation
Joby Aviation and Metropolis Develop 25 US Vertiports for eVTOL Launch
Joby Aviation partners with Metropolis Technologies to retrofit parking garages into 25 vertiports across US cities, supporting a 2026 eVTOL commercial launch.
This article is based on an official press release from Joby Aviation.
Joby Aviation has announced a significant infrastructure partnership with Metropolis Technologies to develop a network of 25 vertiports across the United States. The collaboration aims to repurpose existing parking infrastructure into “mobility hubs” to support the commercial launch of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
According to the company’s announcement, the partnership will leverage Metropolis’s extensive portfolio of parking facilities to create takeoff and landing sites in key metropolitan areas. By retrofitting existing structures rather than building new terminals from the ground up, Joby intends to accelerate the deployment of its air taxi service, which is currently targeting a commercial launch in 2026.
The initiative addresses one of the most critical challenges in the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) sector: the “last mile” connection. The integration of ground and air travel is designed to offer passengers a seamless transition from their vehicles to Joby’s aircraft, utilizing advanced artificial intelligence to streamline the process.
The core strategy of this partnership involves identifying and upgrading sites within Metropolis’s network, which expanded significantly following its recent acquisition of SP+. With access to over 4,200 parking facilities, the companies plan to select prime locations in high-density urban centers such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City.
Joby Aviation stated that this retrofit approach offers a distinct advantage over constructing standalone vertiports. By utilizing the top decks of existing parking garages, the partners can reduce upfront construction costs and navigate zoning requirements more efficiently. These sites will be designed to meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Engineering Brief 105A, which outlines the specific design standards for vertiport geometry, marking, and load-bearing capacity.
“For air taxis to deliver on their promise of seamless urban travel, they must connect directly with the existing ground transportation ecosystem. By leveraging existing parking infrastructure… we can maximize the value of those sites without needing to build infrastructure from scratch.”
, JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation
Beyond physical infrastructure, the partnership emphasizes the integration of Metropolis’s proprietary technology. The company utilizes AI-powered computer vision to manage facility access and payments. In the context of air travel, this technology aims to facilitate a “drive-in, fly-out” experience. According to the release, cameras will recognize a passenger’s vehicle upon entry, automatically processing parking fees and initiating the check-in process for their flight. This system is intended to eliminate the need for physical tickets, gates, or kiosks, aligning with the industry’s push for a frictionless passenger experience.
“The real world is the next frontier for AI… We are taking the data and recognition capabilities we’ve built in our network and extending it to air travel, creating the seamless, personalized, and magical experience that is the foundation of the Recognition Economy.”
, Alex Israel, CEO of Metropolis Technologies
While the construction of full vertiports is a longer-term project targeting 2026, the partnership includes immediate operational steps. Metropolis subsidiary Bags Inc. will begin providing VIP baggage handling services for Blade Urban Air Mobility, a partner of Joby Aviation, in New York City. This service will support flights between Manhattan and major airports such as JFK and Newark.
Los Angeles has been identified as a primary market for the initial vertiport rollout. The companies are currently evaluating downtown parking structures that can be adapted to support high-frequency air taxi operations. This focus on Los Angeles aligns with Joby’s broader strategy to establish a foothold in regions with high traffic congestion, where the time-saving value of eVTOL aircraft is most apparent.
We observe that this partnership represents a divergent strategy in the race for UAM infrastructure. While competitors like Archer Aviation have partnered with Atlantic Aviation to electrify existing private aviation terminals (FBOs), Joby is betting on bringing aircraft closer to the consumer’s daily commute via parking garages.
The “retrofit” model proposed by Joby and Metropolis may offer scalability advantages. Parking garages are ubiquitous in city centers, whereas private air terminals are typically located on the periphery at airports. If successful, this approach could allow Joby to penetrate dense urban cores more deeply than competitors relying solely on airport-based infrastructure.
However, we note that retrofitting parking decks presents its own engineering challenges, particularly regarding the structural reinforcement required to handle the weight and dynamic loads of landing aircraft, as well as the installation of high-voltage charging infrastructure in older buildings.
Transforming Parking Garages into Mobility Hubs
Integration of AI Technology
Immediate Rollout and Strategic Markets
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation
Technology & Innovation
Vertical Aerospace Targets Full VX4 Transition Flight in Early 2026
Vertical Aerospace advances VX4 flight tests with 10 piloted flights completed; full transition now targeted for early 2026 amid regulatory updates.
This article is based on an official press release from Vertical Aerospace and includes analysis based on publicly available financial filings.
On December 19, 2025, Vertical Aerospace released a significant operational update regarding the flight testing of its full-scale VX4 prototype. According to the company, the engineering team has successfully completed 10 piloted test flights since receiving a “Permit to Fly” from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in November. While the company reports expanding the majority of the flight envelope, the critical milestone of full piloted transition, switching completely from vertical hover to wing-borne cruise, has not yet been achieved.
The Bristol-based eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) manufacturer stated that weather constraints and limited testing windows have pushed the target for full transition into early 2026. This update comes shortly after the company unveiled “Valo,” its production-intent aircraft, earlier this month.
Since resuming flight activities on November 13, 2025, Vertical Aerospace reports that the VX4 prototype has undergone rigorous testing to validate its handling and safety systems. The press release highlights that the aircraft has successfully performed acceleration and deceleration maneuvers and tested various tilt positions for its rotors.
According to Vertical Aerospace, the Test-Flights campaign has achieved several specific technical milestones:
The testing program has successfully validated the in-flight deployment and stowing of rear propellers, propeller spin-up during wing-borne flight, and “prop-hold” functionality.
The company notes that the “majority of the transition envelope” has now been expanded, leaving only the final 10% of the tilt transition untested. The completion of this final phase is required to demonstrate the aircraft’s ability to fly purely on wing lift, a defining characteristic of viable eVTOL technology.
Alongside the flight test updates, Vertical Aerospace announced a regulatory achievement involving the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The Regulations has granted the company new privileges allowing it to approve its own “Flight Conditions” and issue Permits to Fly for specific scenarios.
In the press release, the company framed this development as a signal of regulatory confidence in their design and engineering processes. This authorization is expected to streamline future testing phases by reducing the administrative lead time required for certain flight approvals. It is important for industry observers to distinguish between the aircraft currently undergoing testing and the product Vertical Aerospace intends to bring to market. The operational update refers specifically to the VX4 prototype, which serves as a testbed for data gathering. However, the commercial future of the company rests on “Valo,” the production model unveiled around December 10, 2025.
While the VX4 validates the core physics and control laws, Valo features a redesigned airframe, updated wing architecture, and an under-floor battery system. The delay in the VX4’s full transition means that critical aerodynamic data needed to finalize Valo’s Certification profile, targeted for 2028, will not be fully available until the prototype completes its envelope expansion in 2026.
The delay of the full transition flight places Vertical Aerospace behind its primary United States competitors in terms of technical milestones. Competitors such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation successfully completed full piloted transition flights earlier in 2025. Furthermore, the European market saw a significant contraction earlier this year with the reported insolvency of Lilium in February 2025, highlighting the capital-intensive nature of the sector.
Financial-Results sustainability remains a key focus for Vertical Aerospace. According to the company’s Q3 2025 Business & Strategy Update, Vertical reported a cash position of approximately $117 million. Based on current burn rates, the company projects this capital will fund operations until mid-2026.
With certification slated for 2028, this creates a “funding gap” that the company will need to address. The shift of the transition milestone to 2026 may influence investor sentiment, as the market often looks to technical achievements as validation for further capital injection.
What is the difference between the VX4 and Valo? When will Vertical Aerospace achieve full transition? What is the company’s current financial runway?
Vertical Aerospace Updates VX4 Flight Test Progress; Full Transition Targeted for Early 2026
VX4 Flight Testing Achievements
Regulatory Developments
Strategic Context and Market Position
AirPro News Analysis: The VX4 vs. Valo Distinction
AirPro News Analysis: Financial and Competitive Landscape
Frequently Asked Questions
The VX4 is the current full-scale prototype used for flight testing and validation. Valo is the recently unveiled production-intent aircraft that Vertical Aerospace plans to manufacture commercially, featuring design improvements based on VX4 data.
The company has rescheduled the full piloted transition flight, where the aircraft switches from vertical lift to wing-borne flight, for early 2026, citing weather and scheduling constraints.
As of the Q3 2025 update, Vertical Aerospace holds approximately $117 million in cash, which is projected to sustain operations until mid-2026.
Sources
Photo Credit: Vertical Aerospace
Technology & Innovation
Eve Air Mobility Completes First Flight of Full-Scale eVTOL Prototype
Eve Air Mobility conducted a successful first flight of its full-scale eVTOL prototype in Brazil, validating key systems ahead of 2027 certification.
This article is based on an official press release from Eve Air Mobility.
On December 19, 2025, Eve Air Mobility achieved a critical milestone in the development of its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company, a subsidiary of Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer, successfully conducted the first flight of its full-scale prototype at the Embraer test facility in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, Brazil.
This uncrewed hover flight validates the fundamental architecture of the aircraft, which utilizes a “Lift + Cruise” configuration distinct from the tilt-rotor designs favored by some competitors. According to the company’s official statement, the test confirmed the functionality of the electric propulsion system and the 5th-generation fly-by-wire controls, performing exactly as computer models had predicted.
While Eve Air Mobility is entering the flight-test phase later than some of its primary rivals, the successful deployment of a full-scale prototype signals the company’s transition from design to execution. With a target Entry into Service (EIS) set for 2027, Eve is leveraging Embraer’s industrial backing to accelerate its Certification program.
The test conducted in Gavião Peixoto was a dedicated hover flight. This specific profile is designed to test the vertical lift capabilities of the aircraft before attempting forward wing-borne flight. The prototype utilized eight dedicated vertical lift rotors to maintain a stable hover, allowing engineers to assess aerodynamic performance and control laws in real-world conditions.
Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility, emphasized the significance of the event in a statement released by the company:
“Today, Eve flew… This flight validates our plan, which has been executed with precision to deliver the best solution for the market.”
Following this successful hover test, the company plans to expand the flight envelope throughout 2026. This will involve transitioning from vertical lift to forward flight, powered by the rear pusher propeller, and testing the aircraft’s fixed wing for cruise efficiency.
The prototype flown represents the configuration intended for commercial certification. Unlike “tilt-rotor” designs that rotate propellers to switch between lift and cruise modes, Eve has opted for a separated “Lift + Cruise” architecture. This design choice prioritizes mechanical simplicity and potentially lower maintenance costs. According to technical specifications released by Eve Air Mobility, the aircraft features:
At AirPro News, we observe that Eve’s successful first flight places it in a unique position within the “race to market.” While competitors like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation have already logged significant flight hours with full-scale prototypes, including transition flights, Eve’s strategy appears to be one of deliberate, industrial-scale preparation over speed.
The “Lift + Cruise” design philosophy suggests a focus on reliability and operating economics. By avoiding the complex tilting mechanisms found in competitor aircraft, Eve may offer operators a vehicle with fewer moving parts and lower direct maintenance costs. Furthermore, Eve’s relationship with Embraer provides immediate access to a global service and support network, a logistical hurdle that independent Startups must build from scratch.
Despite being arguably the “tortoise” in terms of flight testing timelines, Eve holds the industry’s largest backlog of Letters of Intent (LoI), totaling nearly 3,000 aircraft. This massive order book indicates strong market confidence in Embraer’s ability to deliver a certifiable product.
Looking ahead, Eve Air Mobility has outlined a rigorous schedule for the next two years. The company intends to build five additional conforming prototypes in 2026 to accelerate data collection. These aircraft will be used to accumulate the hundreds of flight hours required for certification authorities.
Luiz Valentini, CTO of Eve, noted the disciplined approach to the upcoming testing phase:
“The prototype behaved as predicted by our models… We will expand the envelope and progress toward transition to wingborne flight in a disciplined manner.”
The company is targeting Type Certification from Brazil’s ANAC in 2027, with concurrent validation sought from the FAA (USA) and EASA (Europe). Commercial deliveries are scheduled to begin immediately following certification.
Eve Air Mobility Successfully Completes First Flight of Full-Scale eVTOL Prototype
Flight Details and Technical Validation
Aircraft Specifications: The “Eve-100”
AirPro News Analysis: The Strategic Landscape
Future Roadmap: Certification and Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Embraer
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