Vertical Aerospace’s air taxi prototype’s four front propellers tilt forward as it switches from hover to wingborne forward flight. [Credit: Vertical Aerospace]
Key Takeaways:
UK-based Vertical Aerospace achieved the first full, piloted transition flight in Europe with a full-scale eVTOL prototype, a critical milestone demonstrating its defining capability for certification.
This achievement positions Vertical Aerospace as a leading European contender in the electric air taxi market, contrasting with past European failures due to a tough regulatory environment, and sets them to compete with major U.S. developers.
Vertical Aerospace is targeting concurrent UK CAA and EASA certification by 2028 for its Valo air taxi, designed for routes such as city-to-airport travel, and has secured preorders from customers like American Airlines.
Leading American electric air taxi developers Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies, and Wisk Aero are primed to contend with at least one European competitor.
U.K.-based Vertical Aerospace on Thursday revealed that it is the first European company to complete a full transition flight with a full-scale, prototype eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) model.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
