In a historic milestone for electric aviation, British aerospace company Vertical Aerospace successfully completed the world’s first public airport-to-airport flight using a full-scale eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft. The breakthrough flight marks a significant step toward integrating eVTOL aircraft into everyday commercial and urban air mobility.
The VX4 prototype took off from Cotswold Airport and flew approximately 17 miles to RAF Fairford, reaching speeds of 115 mph and cruising at an altitude of around 1,800 feet. The flight culminated in a public demonstration at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025, where the VX4 was the only electric aircraft on display among hundreds of traditional military and civil aviation vehicles.
The flight not only demonstrated the aircraft’s technical capabilities but also its ability to operate within existing airport infrastructure. The VX4’s performance is considered a strong indicator of its future potential in passenger, cargo, and defence transport roles. Company officials emphasised the importance of real-world testing as a means to validate safety, performance, and airport integration.
The VX4 is a four-passenger aircraft equipped with a tilt-rotor design. It features a hybrid-electric powertrain currently in development to complement the all-electric version, with certification expected by 2028. The electric version offers a range of approximately 100 miles, while the hybrid variant aims for up to 1,000 miles with a payload capacity of over one tonne.
Vertical Aerospace also announced plans to continue testing and demonstrations with increasing complexity, preparing the aircraft for future regulatory certification and commercial launch. The company sees the success of this public flight as a stepping stone toward achieving wider adoption of low-emission aviation alternatives across both civilian and military sectors.
By successfully integrating into one of the world’s largest air shows and completing a point-to-point mission, Vertical Aerospace has positioned itself as a key innovator in the race toward sustainable air mobility.