Electric air taxi company founded by Belfast man completes landmark flight
Vertical Aerospace, the electric air taxi company founded by Belfast man Stephen Fitzpatrick, has completed what it says is the first piloted flight of such an aircraft in European open airspace.
It makes a landmark step for the company, which has endured a tumultuous few years that saw it undergo a major restructuring as it continued development of its aircraft.
Vertical is one of a number of firms developing vertical take-off and landing electric air taxis that they are hoping will become major green transport modes in busy cities across the world.
The company was founded by Stephen Fitzpatrick – also the founder of Ovo Energy – and was heavily backed by Dublin-based jet lessor Avolon. Mr Fitzpatrick stepped down as Vertical's CEO in 2023.
Dómhnal Slattery, CEO of Avolon until 2022, stepped down as Vertical's chairman in 2023, before being reappointed to the role this year.
The landmark flight of the VX4 prototype in the UK on Tuesday, piloted by chief test pilot Si Davies, saw the aircraft take off, fly and land like a conventional aircraft, with lift generated by the wing.
In phase three testing – wingborne flight – the VX4 operates like a conventional aircraft using lift generated by its wings, rather than relying solely on rotor thrust.
This low-power, quiet mode of flight is key to making electric air travel practical, scalable and economically viable, according to Vertical Aerospace.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved the flight through open airspace at Cotswold Airport by extending Vertical's permit to fly.
'Achieving piloted wingborne flight in open airspace under the oversight of the UK CAA is an important moment in our certification journey,' said Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson.
'Operating under the UK's rigorous regulatory framework means we share the burden of safety with our regulator – every step must be approved, and that's by design. It amounts to a mini-certification of our prototype and gives us a clearer, faster path to type certification.'
Last year, Vertical Aerospace sued a British company that was involved in the development and manufacture of major components for its prototype aircraft.
Vertical Aerospace floated in New York in 2021, valuing it at $2.2bn.
The company's market capitalisation slumped to as low as $162m last year, but has since risen to $455m.
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