Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace Ltd.

File:Vertical Aerospace Logo.svg
Company type	Public
Traded as	NYSE: EVTL
Industry	Aerospace, Advanced Air Mobility
Founded	2016 (2016)
Founder	Stephen Fitzpatrick
Headquarters	Bristol, England, UK
Products	eVTOL aircraft
Number of employees	330 (2022)
Website	{{URL|example.com|optional display text}}

Vertical Aerospace Ltd. is an aerospace firm headquartered in Bristol, England, specializing in the design and manufacture of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that produce zero emissions.

2016

The enterprise was established in 2016 by Stephen Fitzpatrick, who previously owned a Formula One team and is the founder and CEO of OVO Energy.

2018

In June 2018, Vertical Aerospace conducted its inaugural flight of a prototype—an electrically powered quadcopter named VA-X1, weighing approximately 750 kg (1,650 lb)—at Cotswold Airport, located in Kemble, Gloucestershire. This unmanned aircraft was remotely piloted and capable of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL). It featured four electric motors housed within ducted fans.

2019

In 2019, Vertical Aerospace became Honeywell's inaugural customer for eVTOL technology by purchasing their fly-by-wire aircraft control systems intended for the forthcoming VA-X4 model. Later that year, the company introduced its second aircraft, the VA-X2, becoming the first globally to showcase flight footage of an electric VTOL capable of transporting 250 kg. Additionally, 2019 marked the appointment of Michael Cervenka as president; he previously led Future Business Propositions at Rolls-Royce.

2020

Tim Williams joined Vertical Aerospace in April 2020. Subsequently, the company unveiled the VX4, representing a notable shift away from their earlier multicopter designs. During this period, Vertical Advanced Engineering was established to incorporate technologies and agile methodologies from Formula One into eVTOL aircraft development.

2021

At the start of 2021, Vertical Aerospace became part of a consortium of urban air mobility and aviation firms collaborating with the UK Civil Aviation Authority within its Future Air Mobility Regulatory Sandbox. This collaboration included partners such as Skyports Limited, Atkins (part of SNC-Lavalin Group), and the West of England Combined Authority.

In February 2021, Vertical Aerospace announced a partnership with Solvay S.A. to develop composite structures for their vehicle. The following month, they revealed a collaboration with Rolls-Royce to design the electrical power system.

May 2021 saw Eduardo Dominguez Puerta, former Chief Commercial Officer for Airbus Urban Mobility, join Vertical Aerospace as Chief Commercial Officer. In June, it was revealed that Vertical Aerospace would merge with Broadstone Acquisition Corp, a special-purpose acquisition company founded by Hugh Osmond. The firm also declared plans to go public on the New York Stock Exchange.

That same month, Vertical Aerospace explored a flying taxi service in partnership with Virgin Atlantic. While initial projections aimed for commercial flights by 2022, recent updates indicate a target launch in 2024. Also in June, American Airlines announced a pre-order for up to 250 aircraft with an option to purchase an additional 100.

Following the SPAC merger with Broadstone Acquisition Corp., Vertical Aerospace was officially listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol EVTL in December 2021.

2022

In January, Vertical Aerospace brought on board Dómhnal Slattery from Avolon as the company's Vertical Chairman. Between 2020 and 2022, under the guidance of Chief Engineer Tim Williams, the firm successfully engineered, constructed, and conducted the maiden flight of the VX-4 prototype. This milestone represented a significant breakthrough in aerospace history, being the first electric-powered aircraft of its kind developed in the United Kingdom within recent memory. The aircraft achieved its initial tethered takeoff and landing in September.

2023

During 2023, the VX4 completed a successful unmanned flight test at Kemble Airport in Cotswold, UK. The aircraft showcased its performance by taking off, hovering, flying, and landing powered exclusively by Vertical's proprietary battery technology. On 9 August 2023, the prototype sustained damage during an uncrewed flight test at Cotswold Airport. The company identified a propeller malfunction as the cause of the incident but clarified that the affected propeller was an earlier design version that had already been superseded.

2024

During 2024, the second complete prototype of the VX4 was unveiled. This model reportedly incorporated a proprietary battery along with a powertrain delivering 20% more power. Additionally, the prototype featured newly designed carbon fiber propellers aimed at reducing noise levels and enhancing overall performance.

2025

In January 2025, successful piloted hover flight tests were conducted, marking a significant development milestone. The subsequent phase of testing will focus on evaluating low-speed maneuverability.

VX4

According to Vertical Aerospace, the VX4 is a piloted electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that produces zero emissions. It is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers, with an anticipated range exceeding 100 miles (160.9 km). The vehicle operates more quietly than traditional helicopters. The aircraft is intended for use in urban environments and other restricted spaces.

The design leverages a fixed wing to generate lift for the majority of flight duration. This approach aligns with current trends in the eVTOL sector, which favor wing-borne lift combined with vectored thrust for improved efficiency during cruise.

The VX4 is equipped with eight propellers attached to its wings. Four front-mounted propellers transition from providing vertical lift during takeoff to delivering forward thrust in cruise mode. The rear propellers are engaged exclusively during takeoff and landing phases.

Partners and investors

In June 2021, Vertical Aerospace formed strategic partnerships and secured investment from American Airlines, Avolon, Rolls-Royce, Honeywell, and Microsoft's M12. These collaborations aimed to facilitate certification by 2024, mitigate operational risks, maintain a cost-effective structure, and enable scalable production. Additional collaborators include GKN Aerospace and Solvay.

In 2024, the company attracted a $50 million capital injection from Mudrick Capital Management, a US-based distressed debt investor. This investment granted Mudrick a 70% ownership stake and supported ongoing testing activities through the end of 2025. Commercial operations are projected to commence by 2028.

Forward sales agreements under pre-orders for up to 1,000 units have been established through partnerships with American Airlines, Avolon, and Virgin Atlantic. In March 2025, Virgin Atlantic also entered into a deal with US eVTOL competitor Joby Aviation.