Vertical Aerospace Ltd (NYSE:EVTL) saw its stock surge by 6.1% after announcing a historic achievement in the electric aviation space. The company successfully completed the first piloted wingborne flight of a winged electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in open European airspace—a major advancement for both the firm and the broader eVTOL industry.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority granted approval for the test flight, which featured Vertical’s VX4 prototype. Flown by Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies, the aircraft executed a seamless transition from vertical lift-off to wingborne cruise, mimicking the flight dynamics of traditional fixed-wing aircraft. This flight is a cornerstone of Vertical’s broader Flightpath 2030 roadmap, which aims to bring electric air mobility to the public.
Vertical reported that the VX4’s performance aligned with expectations. The flight validated the aircraft’s aerodynamic stability, energy efficiency, and control capabilities, with over 30,000 flight data points captured during the mission. The company remains on schedule for a fully piloted transition flight in the latter half of 2025, an important benchmark toward launching passenger-ready operations.
CEO Stuart Simpson highlighted the significance of incorporating real pilot feedback early in the testing process, explaining that live flight tests offer critical insights beyond what simulations can replicate. He stressed that placing a pilot in the aircraft at this stage reflects the maturity of Vertical’s technology and its strong focus on safety.
The UK government has also backed the initiative, supporting Vertical Aerospace through funding efforts aligned with national goals around sustainability and next-generation aerospace innovation. The successful flight not only advances Vertical’s certification process but also cements the UK’s status as a key player in the evolving landscape of clean aviation.
The market responded favorably to the news, with investor optimism fueling a notable gain in the company’s share price. As Vertical Aerospace edges closer to commercial deployment, the company remains at the forefront of an electric aviation revolution that could redefine short-haul air travel.