Aviation News – Vertical Aerospace has successfully conducted the world’s first two-way piloted transition flight of a full-scale eVTOL under civil aviation regulatory oversight. This landmark achievement confirms the aircraft’s ability to switch from vertical lift to wingborne flight and back again in a single mission, a critical step toward commercializing electric air taxis.
The flight took place on April 14, 2026, marking the successful completion of Phase 4 of the company’s rigorous test program. This milestone was achieved under the direct supervision of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and in collaboration with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The trials utilized the company’s full-scale prototype to prove the stability and control of the aircraft during its most complex maneuvers.
The success of this program directly supports the development of Valo, Vertical’s production aircraft. This next-generation model is being engineered to meet stringent airliner-level safety standards as the company moves toward a 2028 certification target. The project continues to solidify the UK’s leadership in sustainable aerospace while creating high-skill jobs and driving future export growth.
Technically, the two-way transition is the defining capability of a tiltrotor eVTOL. The aircraft takes off vertically like a helicopter, tilts its front propellers forward to accelerate into efficient airplane mode, and then reverses the process to land vertically without the need for a runway. This operational flexibility allows Valo to fly up to 100 miles at speeds of 150 mph, making point-to-point urban travel a reality.
