Technology & Innovation
Vertical Aerospace Begins Piloted Transition Testing for VX4 eVTOL
Vertical Aerospace starts piloted transition testing for its VX4 eVTOL after receiving UK CAA Permit to Fly, advancing toward certification.
Vertical Aerospace Hits Key Milestone: Piloted Transition Testing Begins for VX4 eVTOL
In the world of advanced air mobility, the transition from vertical lift to forward flight is the holy grail, a complex dance of aerodynamics and engineering that separates concepts from certified aircraft. On November 13, 2025, UK-based Vertical Aerospace announced it had entered this critical phase. The company secured a “Permit to Fly” from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), greenlighting the start of piloted transition testing for its flagship VX4 electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This isn’t just another step; it’s a significant leap forward, placing Vertical among a small circle of companies that have reached this advanced stage of development.
The achievement underscores a pivotal moment for both Vertical Aerospace and the burgeoning eVTOL industry. Successfully navigating the transition from a helicopter-like hover to an airplane-like cruise is one of the most demanding technical hurdles in this new aviation frontier. This permit, granted after intense regulatory scrutiny, signals growing confidence in the VX4’s design and safety case. With the first piloted transition flight successfully conducted, the path toward commercial operations becomes clearer, moving the promise of quiet, zero-emission urban and regional air travel closer to reality.
The Regulatory Gauntlet: Securing the “Permit to Fly”
Obtaining regulatory approval to fly a prototype aircraft is no small feat. The “Permit to Fly” granted by the CAA is the culmination of a rigorous and exhaustive process. To satisfy the regulator, Vertical Aerospace submitted a mountain of documentation, over 20,000 pages of technical and safety analysis. This deep dive into the aircraft’s systems and performance was designed to validate every critical component, ensuring the VX4 was safe for piloted experimental flights. The company meticulously verified 200 “Minimum Safe Aircraft” requirements, demonstrating a robust approach to safety and certification that sets a high bar in the industry.
This permit unlocks the final and most crucial stage of the VX4’s prototype test program, known as “Phase 4 – Transition.” This phase follows the successful completion of three prior stages that systematically tested the aircraft’s capabilities. Phase 1 involved tethered hovering, completed in September 2024, followed by Phase 2, which focused on free-flying thrustborne flight and low-speed maneuvers, concluded in February 2025. Phase 3 saw the VX4 tested in conventional wingborne flight, like a traditional airplane, which was completed in September 2025. Each phase built upon the last, gathering essential data and proving the aircraft’s stability and control systems.
The first flight of this new phase was conducted by Test Pilot Paul Stone on the morning of November 13, 2025, marking the official start of the transition flight test campaign. The company aims to complete this testing by the end of 2025. This methodical, phased approach is designed to de-risk the path to full Type Certification, which Vertical is targeting for 2028. This milestone is a testament to the engineering team’s diligence and the company’s strong relationship with its regulatory body.
“Receiving our Permit to Fly and starting Phase 4 marks a defining moment for Vertical Aerospace. Our team has spent months verifying every core system under close regulatory oversight, reflecting our unique and robust approach to certification. This step is a critical demonstration of the VX4’s unique tiltrotor capability and real-world capability and is a major technical and certification unlock.” – Stuart Simpson, CEO, Vertical Aerospace
The Competitive Skies: Vertical’s Position in the AAM Race
Vertical Aerospace is not developing the VX4 in a vacuum. The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market is a dynamic and fiercely competitive space, with several well-funded players racing toward certification and commercial launch. The global eVTOL market, valued at approximately $13.9 billion in 2024, is projected to expand significantly, reaching an estimated $37.0 billion by 2033. This growth potential has attracted a host of innovators, each with a unique approach to electric aviation.
Key competitors include US-based Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, both of whom are targeting commercial operations in the near future and have strong backing from major corporations. Others like Wisk Aero, a Boeing joint venture, are focused on autonomous flight, while Germany’s Lilium is developing a jet-powered eVTOL for regional mobility. In this crowded field, Vertical has carved out a strong position through its strategic partnerships with established aerospace giants like Honeywell, GKN, and Rolls-Royce, which supplies the electric propulsion systems. This collaboration with legacy suppliers provides a deep well of expertise and credibility.
Furthermore, Vertical’s commercial strategy has yielded a substantial pre-order book of approximately 1,500 VX4 aircraft from a diverse customer base that includes American Airlines, Japan Airlines, and helicopter operator Bristow. These pre-orders, valued at over $6 billion, provide a clear market validation for the VX4’s design and intended mission. This, combined with its 2023 achievement of becoming the first eVTOL company to receive a Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the UK CAA, solidifies Vertical’s standing as a leading contender in the race to redefine air travel.
Conclusion: From Prototype to Production
The commencement of piloted transition testing is a landmark achievement for Vertical Aerospace, transforming the VX4 from a promising concept into a tangible aircraft proving its core capabilities. By successfully navigating the rigorous demands of the CAA to secure its “Permit to Fly,” the company has not only validated its engineering approach but also built crucial confidence with regulators. This milestone is a critical “certification unlock,” demonstrating that the complex aerodynamic challenge of transitioning from vertical to horizontal flight is manageable and safe within the VX4’s design parameters.
Looking ahead, the data gathered during this final testing phase will be instrumental in refining the aircraft and finalizing its design for Type Certification, targeted for 2028. While the path to commercial service remains challenging, requiring an estimated $700 million in further investment, Vertical’s significant pre-order book and strategic partnerships provide a solid foundation. As the VX4 proves its capabilities in the air, it moves one step closer to fulfilling the promise of a quieter, cleaner, and more efficient mode of transportation for cities and regions around the world.
FAQ
Question: What is the Vertical Aerospace VX4?
Answer: The VX4 is a piloted, four-passenger, zero-emission electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft developed by UK-based Vertical Aerospace. It is designed to be significantly quieter and safer than a helicopter, intended for urban and regional air mobility.
Question: Why is “transition testing” so important for an eVTOL?
Answer: The transition maneuver is the most complex part of an eVTOL’s flight profile. It involves shifting from vertical, propeller-driven lift (like a helicopter) to horizontal, wing-borne lift (like an airplane). Successfully and safely demonstrating this capability is a major technical and regulatory hurdle that proves the viability of the aircraft’s design for efficient, high-speed travel.
Question: Who are Vertical Aerospace’s main competitors?
Answer: The eVTOL market is highly competitive. Key players include Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation in the US, Lilium in Germany, and Wisk Aero (a Boeing joint venture). Vertical distinguishes itself with strong partnerships with established aerospace suppliers and a large pre-order book.
Sources
Photo Credit: Vertical Aerospace
Technology & Innovation
Joby Aviation and Toyota Form eVTOL Manufacturing Joint Venture
Joby Aviation and Toyota establish a joint venture to manufacture the S4 eVTOL, with Toyota holding a 51% stake.
Joby Aviation, Inc. (JOBY) and Toyota Motor Corporation (TM) have formalized their nearly decade-long partnership by establishing a joint venture to manufacture electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The new entity, named the Joby Toyota Aero Manufacturing Preparation Company, will focus on scaling commercial production of the Joby S4 Series eVTOL aircraft.
Announced in a press release on June 30, 2026, following a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 8-K filing on June 29, 2026, the alliance combines Joby’s electric aviation technology with Toyota’s established production systems expertise. The joint venture will operate across locations in Santa Cruz, California, and Toyota City, Japan.
Joint venture structure and financial stakes
Toyota holds a 51 percent majority stake in the new manufacturing company, acquired through the purchase of 1.02 million shares for $1.02 million. Joby retains the remaining 49 percent stake, having purchased 980,000 shares for $980,000. The joint venture will be governed by a five-member board of directors, with three members designated by Toyota and two designated by Joby.
The agreement includes specific intellectual property licensing arrangements between the two parent companies. Joby will license certain aircraft-related intellectual property to the joint venture on a royalty-free basis. In return, Toyota will license manufacturing-related intellectual property to the venture, which includes certain royalty-bearing rights.
Scaling eVTOL production
The formal joint venture builds upon a foundation of significant financial and technical support from the Japanese automaker. Toyota has provided approximately $900 million in total capital to Joby to date. The automaker is already providing technical assistance as Joby establishes a series production line for the S4 eVTOL aircraft at a facility in Ohio.
In the June 30 press release, Joby Aviation founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt highlighted the depth of the corporate relationship.
“Toyota has been by Joby’s side for nearly a decade, providing invaluable guidance and support as we built the foundation for Manufacturing our aircraft. Today’s announcement reflects the strength of our relationship and our shared confidence in the opportunity ahead.”
Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda stated that the company views air mobility as a natural extension of its philosophy of providing mobility for all, expanding its focus from the ground into the sky to bring new value to society.
Certification progress and next steps
The manufacturing alliance aligns with Joby’s ongoing Certification efforts with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). During the first quarter of 2026, Joby began flying its first FAA-conforming aircraft for type inspection authorization. This testing phase is a required step as the company works toward achieving full FAA type certification for the S4 Series.
With the joint venture now legally established, the two companies will begin integrating their engineering and manufacturing teams across the California and Japan facilities to prepare for high-volume aircraft production.
AirPro News analysis
We view the formalization of the Joby Toyota Aero Manufacturing Preparation Company as a critical de-risking event for Joby’s production ambitions. While designing and certifying an eVTOL aircraft presents significant regulatory hurdles, manufacturing these vehicles at scale with automotive-style efficiency is an entirely different challenge that has historically troubled aerospace Startups. By securing a majority-stake commitment from Toyota, Joby gains direct access to one of the world’s most proven manufacturing systems. Furthermore, the intellectual property arrangement, where Toyota retains royalty-bearing rights on its manufacturing processes, suggests the automaker sees long-term revenue potential in aerospace production beyond its initial capital Investments.
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation
Sustainable Aviation
KBR Selected for Asia’s First Ethanol-to-Jet SAF Plant in Singapore
KBR will provide PureSAF technology licensing and FEED services for a 100,000-ton/year SAF facility on Jurong Island, Singapore.
On June 29, 2026, KBR announced its selection by Keppel Ltd. and Aster Chemicals and Energy to provide technology licensing and Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) services for a proposed 100,000-ton-per-year SAF (SAF) facility on Jurong Island, Singapore.
The planned facility is envisioned as Asia’s first commercial-scale ethanol-to-jet (EtJ) SAF plant. According to the KBR press release, the project will utilize the company’s PureSAF technology to produce a 100% drop-in jet fuel, supporting Singapore’s national mandate to increase sustainability usage across the aviation sector.
PureSAF technology and project scope
The Jurong Island facility will leverage PureSAF, a technology originally developed by Swedish Biofuels AB and engineered for commercial-scale production by KBR, which holds the exclusive global license. The process is designed to convert ethanol into aviation fuel that requires no blending with conventional Jet A or Jet A-1 before use.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, KBR President and CEO Stuart Bradie highlighted the system’s flexibility.
“KBR’s PureSAF is a feedstock-flexible, bankable technology that is designed to deliver a 100% drop in jet fuel, ready to power aircraft without blending. We are constantly innovating our SAF solution to make it compatible with feedstock availability in different regions and to enable the aviation industry to transition to low-carbon jet fuel with a cost-optimized approach.”
The FEED study will determine the technical configuration and project capital expenditure required for the facility. The development remains subject to regulatory approvals and a final investment decision (FID) by the project partners.
Aligning with Singapore’s aviation mandates
The selection of KBR follows a January 28, 2026, agreement between Keppel’s Infrastructure Division and Aster to jointly assess the development of the Jurong Island site. Aster operates as a joint venture between Indonesian petrochemical company Chandra Asri and Swiss commodities trader Glencore.
The proposed 100,000-ton annual production capacity aligns directly with targets set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). Starting in 2026, the CAAS mandates a 1% SAF uplift for all departing flights from the country, with a stated goal of increasing that requirement to between 3% and 5% by 2030.
Alongside the SAF plant contract, KBR and Keppel signed a Memorandum of Intent to collaborate on broader energy transition initiatives. The companies plan to explore technologies related to waste-to-energy, plastic recycling, biofuels, and artificial intelligence-driven digitalization.
AirPro News analysis
We view the progression of the Jurong Island project to the FEED stage as a critical indicator of the Asia-Pacific region’s readiness to scale SAF production. While North America and Europe have led early SAF capacity investments, Singapore’s firm regulatory mandate provides the demand certainty required to underwrite commercial-scale facilities in Southeast Asia. The choice of an ethanol-to-jet pathway is particularly notable, as it allows operators to bypass the constrained supply of fats, oils, and greases that limit hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) production volumes. The project’s ultimate realization hinges on the upcoming final investment decision, which will test the commercial viability of the EtJ process in the current economic environment.
Sources: KBR
Photo Credit: KBR
Technology & Innovation
Mako Aerospace Indicates $28M Series A for Electric Jet Engine
Scottish startup Mako Aerospace indicates a $28M Series A to advance its superconductor-based all-electric jet engine prototype.
Mako Aerospace, a Scottish aerospace startups developing all-electric jet engine technology, has indicated the closure of a $28 million Series A funding round to advance its propulsion systems.
A URL published on the company’s domain outlines the capital injection for the Dunfermline-based manufacturers. Mako Aerospace is currently developing “The Forerunner,” an all-electric jet engine prototype utilizing superconductor technology designed to extend the range of electric aircraft.
Advancing all-electric propulsion
Led by Chief Executive Officer Kieran Duncan and Chief Operations Officer Pia Saelen, Mako Aerospace is focused on reducing operating expenses for aircraft operators. The company targets a 70% reduction in fuel costs compared to traditional turboprop engines using its proprietary technology.
In September 2022, Mako Aerospace announced a partnerships with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) to manufacture the prototype of its electric jet engine. The reported $28 million Series A would provide the capital required to scale this development and pursue experimental certification for the propulsion system.
Funding verification and industry context
The $28 million funding figure originates from a dedicated URL on the Mako Aerospace website. The primary press release is not currently accessible through public web searches, and the funding round has not yet been confirmed by regulatory filings or secondary financial press.
If completed, a $28 million Series A represents a substantial investments in the electric aviation sector. Startups developing novel propulsion systems require significant early-stage capital to transition from conceptual design to physical prototyping and testing.
AirPro News analysis
We note that while the $28 million figure is substantial for a regional aerospace startup at this stage, the lack of accessible public filings or widespread syndication of the press release warrants caution. Developing an all-electric jet engine using superconductors is a highly capital-intensive process. If the funding is fully realized, it will likely bridge the gap between the NMIS-supported prototype phase and initial ground testing. Certification by aviation authorities remains a distant and expensive hurdle for any novel propulsion technology.
Sources: Mako Aerospace
Photo Credit: Mako
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