European Aviation History Made
Vertical Aerospace has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the first-ever piloted wingborne flight of a winged electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in European open airspace. The VX4 prototype, piloted by Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies, successfully completed controlled wingborne flight over the UK countryside from Cotswold Airport on May 22, 2025.
A Critical Step Toward Commercial Operations
The landmark flight marks Phase 3 of Vertical’s testing program, where the VX4 operates like a conventional aircraft using lift generated by its wings rather than relying solely on rotor thrust. This low-power, quiet, and range-efficient mode of flight is essential for making electric air travel practical and economically viable.
Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies shared his experience: “Taking the aircraft beyond the airfield and cruising over the Cotswolds for the first time was truly special and a career highlight for me. Our performance predictions were absolutely spot on, and the aircraft took off as a natural extension of all the ground tests and preparation we’ve done.”
Rigorous Safety Standards Met
The UK Civil Aviation Authority approved the flight through open airspace after reviewing tens of thousands of pages of safety and technical documentation. Vertical is currently the only company globally flying a piloted winged eVTOL prototype developed under a Design Organisation Approval from the CAA.
During the flight, engineers captured more than 30,000 in-flight data parameters, confirming the aircraft performed exceptionally across stability, control, and energy usage. The VX4 reached speeds of up to 150 mph and altitudes close to 2,000 feet under real-world conditions.
Looking Ahead to Full Transition
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, emphasized the significance: “Achieving piloted wingborne flight in open airspace under the oversight of the UK CAA is an important moment in our certification journey. Our decision to put a pilot into the VX4 early was deliberate – real-world piloted flight delivers insights no simulation can.”
The company is now on track to complete a full piloted transition flight in the second half of 2025, demonstrating the VX4’s ability to shift seamlessly between vertical lift and forward cruise.
MAGicALL’s Pride in Partnership
At MAGicALL, we are incredibly proud to support Vertical Aerospace in this historic achievement. As a trusted partner in advancing electric aviation technology, we celebrate this milestone that brings sustainable air mobility closer to reality.
This breakthrough represents the kind of innovation and engineering excellence that drives the aerospace industry forward, and we’re honored to be part of Vertical Aerospace’s journey toward commercial eVTOL operations.
