Vertical Aerospace Welcomes UK CAA’s eVTOL Delivery Model, Paving Way for UK Electric Aircraft Operations by 2028

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LONDON & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 25, 2025--

Vertical Aerospace (Vertical) [NYSE: EVTL], a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, today welcomed the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) publication of its eVTOL Delivery Model, which sets out a regulatory roadmap for the commercial operation of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the UK from 2028.

The Delivery Model provides UK industry with a clear pathway and timeline to commercial eVTOL operations, reaffirming SC-VTOL as the certification basis, the highest safety standards for eVTOLs globally and aligned to EASA’s standards, and sets out a comprehensive framework covering training, aerodromes, and the rulemaking roadmap.

Notably, the UK CAA confirms that day and night visual and instrument flight rule (VFR /IFR) operations will be permitted from day one, provided aircraft and pilots are qualified - supporting reliable operations across diverse weather conditions and enabling one of the most scalable eVTOL ecosystems globally. It also commits to working with the industry to enable the deployment of hybrid propulsion systems, like the one being developed by Vertical.

The model ensures that rulemaking activities are aligned with the UK Government’s own stated objective of seeing commercial eVTOL flight in the UK from 2028, enabling companies like Vertical to launch safe, certified services in parallel with commercial readiness.

Trevor Woods, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Vertical Aerospace, said:

“We welcome the CAA’s eVTOL Delivery Model. It gives UK industry a clear pathway and timeline to initial commercial operations, reaffirms SC-VTOL as the certification basis, and confirms the framework will be in place to allow pilots and aircraft to fly Day/Night VFR and IFR from day one. That clarity on training, aerodromes and the rulemaking roadmap is exactly what’s needed to turn demonstrations into safe, scalable services from 2028.”

Vertical is already deeply engaged with the UK CAA, participating in all the regulator’s eVTOL working groups to help shape rulemaking across certification, operations, training, and infrastructure. Vertical also continues to work closely with the regulator, Government and UK industry via the Future Flight Industry Group, which is driving the country’s ambitious plans for Advanced Air Mobility.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said:

“This framework underscores the UK’s leadership in advanced air mobility, with the CAA laying the foundations for a safe, scalable and globally competitive ecosystem. With both Heathrow and Gatwick receiving the green light for expansion, and Skyports advancing plans for a UK vertiport network, the road is being set for the UK to become a true leader in this industry. Vertical is proud to be working hand-in-hand with the regulator as we progress towards certification of our VX4 aircraft in 2028.”

About Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation. Vertical is creating a safer, cleaner, and quieter way to travel. Its VX4 is a piloted, four-passenger, Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with zero operating emissions. Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant, offering increased range and mission flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the advanced air mobility market.

Vertical combines partnerships with leading aerospace companies, including GKN, Honeywell, and Aciturri, with its own proprietary battery and propeller technology to develop the world’s most advanced and safest eVTOL.

Vertical has c.1,500 pre-orders of the VX4, with customers across four continents, including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL, and Bristow. Certain customer obligations are expected to be fulfilled via third-party agreements. Headquartered in Bristol, UK, Vertical’s experienced leadership team comes from top-tier aerospace and automotive companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GM, and Leonardo. Together, they have previously certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Any express or implied statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding: the statements, standards, projections, timeline and regulatory roadmap set out in the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) eVTOL Delivery Model and its related impact on the commercial operation and safety standards of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the UK; the business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including certification and the commercialization of the VX4 and the hybrid-electric VX4 variant on any particular timeline or at all; as well as statements that include the words “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “will,” “aim,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, without limitation the risks and uncertainties relating to the Company’s business, industry performance, the regulatory environment, and general business and economic conditions, and other important factors as discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 11, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in the Company’s other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than to the extent required by applicable law.

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CONTACT: For more information:

Justin Bates, Head of Communications –[email protected]– +44 7878 357 463

Samuel Emden, Head of Investor Affairs –[email protected]– +44 7816 459 904

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SOURCE: Vertical Aerospace

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PUB: 09/25/2025 12:30 PM/DISC: 09/25/2025 12:29 PM

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