Vertical Aerospace announced that it has finished its third and final full‑scale prototype of the VX4 eVTOL platform on December 22 2025. The new aircraft is an exact replica of the current VX4, and it will begin piloted flight testing in January 2026, effectively doubling the company’s flight‑test capacity and accelerating the path toward certification.
The completion of the final prototype is a key milestone in Vertical Aerospace’s Flightpath 2030 strategy, which aims to bring the VX4 and its successor, the Valo, to market by the end of the decade. By adding a third prototype, the company can run parallel test campaigns, reduce the overall testing timeline, and generate the data needed for regulatory approval. The January 2026 testing schedule positions the company to meet its 2028 certification target for the Valo aircraft.
CEO Stuart Simpson said the milestone “marks an important step in closing out our prototype flight‑test programme and maintaining momentum toward commercialization.” He added that the team’s “dedicated effort and validated progress with the CAA” reinforces confidence in the aircraft’s potential and underscores the company’s commitment to rapid, safe development.
Investors welcomed the news, citing improved execution, significant insider buying, and increasing regulatory clarity as key drivers. The company’s “Permit to Fly” from the UK Civil Aviation Authority and progress through flight‑test phases have de‑risks the path to commercial service, while government support for the eVTOL sector has bolstered confidence in the company’s long‑term prospects.
Vertical Aerospace is also advancing its next‑generation Valo aircraft, which is slated for certification in 2028. The company has secured approximately 1,500 pre‑orders from major customers such as American Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Bristow, and it has partnered with Honeywell, Molicel, and Syensqo to integrate advanced systems and scale production. These developments strengthen the company’s competitive position against peers like Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, and Eve Air Mobility.
The prototype completion and accelerated flight‑test schedule position Vertical Aerospace to achieve certification sooner, reduce time‑to‑market, and capture a share of the rapidly growing eVTOL market. The milestone also signals strong management execution and a clear path to commercial service, reinforcing investor confidence in the company’s long‑term trajectory.
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