Vertical Aerospace has achieved two-way piloted transition – switching from helicopter mode to airplane mode and back again – in a historic milestone in the development of electric vertical take off and landing (eVTOL) technologies.
The historic flight took place at Vertical’s Flight Test Centre at Cotswold Airport on 14th April 2026, the first such flight under civil aviation Design Organisation Approval regulatory oversight.
Jacqueline Castle, Chief Technology Officer, ATI said: “Congratulations to the Vertical team on achieving their mission of two-way piloted transition. Pioneering aerospace innovation is happening here in the UK, powered by the ATI Programme, and this marks an exciting milestone on the journey towards zero‑carbon emission flight.”
UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, said: “This is a fantastic milestone not only for Vertical, but for the UK’s position in the future of aerospace as we continue to lead the way on zero emission flight.
“Through our Industrial Strategy and the Aerospace Technology Institute we’re backing companies like Vertical who are demonstrating the kind of innovation, engineering excellence and export potential that can keep Britain at the forefront of the global aerospace industry, and create high-skilled jobs for local people.”
In-flight transition validates the technology which will enable Valo, Vertical’s commercial aircraft to operate commercially. This includes taking off vertically from a city-centre vertiport or rooftop for example before flying as an airplane then landing vertically at its destination.
As with all Vertical flight tests since 2023, this milestone was achieved under the direct oversight of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), who are working in close collaboration with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) toward Type Certification of Valo. Testing is conducted under Vertical’s Design Organisation Approval, a pre-requisite for entry into service.
Vertical’s Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies was at the controls for the historic flight. You can hear Simon’s experiences of being at the forefront of technology innovation in an ATI webinar he joined in 2025, catch up on the conversation on our YouTube channel.
The milestone marks progress against the UK aerospace technology strategy Destination Zero, ahead of the ATI publishing a new strategy next month. Sign up on Eventbrite now to join our webinar from 11:00 – 12:30 on Tuesday 19th May.
The ATI Programme is delivered in partnership with Department for Business and Trade and Innovate UK.
