Investing.com -- Shares of Vertical Aerospace Ltd (NYSE: EVTL ) climbed 6.1% after the company announced a significant milestone in electric aviation: the successful completion of the first-ever piloted wingborne flight of a winged electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in European open airspace.
The test flight, which was approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, is a critical step in Vertical Aerospace’s journey towards certification and commercial operation. The VX4 prototype, piloted by Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies, demonstrated controlled wingborne flight, transitioning from vertical takeoff to cruising like a conventional aircraft. This achievement marks a pivotal moment for the company’s Flightpath 2030 strategy.
According to the company’s press release, the VX4 prototype performed exceptionally, validating performance predictions and confirming the aircraft’s stability, control, and energy efficiency. Over 30,000 in-flight parameters were recorded, with the aircraft behaving as anticipated. Vertical Aerospace is on track to complete a piloted transition flight in the second half of 2025, a key step towards demonstrating the VX4’s operational capabilities for passenger service.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, emphasized the importance of this event in their certification journey, noting that real-world piloted flights provide invaluable insights beyond what simulations can offer. The company’s approach to putting a pilot in the VX4 early in the testing process underscores its commitment to safety and the maturity of its program.
The UK government has also supported Vertical Aerospace’s development through investment initiatives aimed at advancing the country’s net zero and aerospace ambitions. The successful wingborne flight is not only a testament to the company’s progress but also to the UK’s position at the forefront of aerospace innovation.
Investors have responded positively to the news, reflected in the stock’s upward movement. As Vertical Aerospace continues to make strides towards commercial operations, the industry watches closely, anticipating the potential transformation of electric air travel into a practical, scalable, and economically viable mode of transportation.
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