Flying taxi firm hails success of first flight over UK countryside

VERTICAL Aerospace, a Bristol-based company leading the way in the development of flying electric taxis, has made European aviation history by successfully piloting a flight across the UK countryside.

- GUY TAYLOR

The firm's VX4 prototype completed its inaugural "wingborne" flight last week, soaring over the Cotswolds before landing like a traditional aircraft at a nearby airport.

This achievement marks a significant step towards the commercial deployment of eVTOLs, or electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The technology is viewed as a key component in the transition to sustainable air travel, and Vertical claims its VX4 model will be capable of transporting passengers from Battersea to Heathrow in just 12 minutes. The company aims to launch first-use flights in 2028, carrying four passengers up to 100 miles.