Electric Flights on the Rise World's First Public Airport-to-Airport Flight With eVTOL

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In aviation, electric drives are not yet truly considered a competitor to conventional engines due to battery weight. However, an eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft) has now made a historic statement.

The aviation industry is not short on visions, but practical breakthroughs have been lacking. One such breakthrough has now been achieved: in July 2025, the electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft VX4 from British manufacturer Vertical Aerospace completed the world's first public airport-to-airport flight of an eVTOL. The all-electric aircraft took off vertically, transitioned to horizontal flight, and landed vertically again. Manned, winged, and emission-free.

A Signal Flight for Urban Air Mobility

What initially appears to be a symbolic PR stunt is, in fact, a milestone. The flight serves as a litmus test for the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and as a signal to the European EASA. With its "Flightpath 2030" strategy, Vertical Aerospace aims to electrify and commercialize urban short-haul flights. The flight demonstrates that the path to certification is navigable not only technically but also regulatorily. Technically, the VX4 is based on a tilt-rotor configuration, combining the helicopter's advantages during takeoff with the efficiency of a fixed-wing aircraft during cruise flight. With a range of approximately 100 miles and a speed of around 149 mph, the eVTOL is suitable for point-to-point connections.

The German eVTOL Industry On Sale

While some celebrate, others are being sold. Although Volocopter and Lilium were once seen as frontrunners in Germany's flying taxi industry, both companies are now on the brink of collapse. Volocopter declared bankruptcy in December 2024 and is now being sold to the Chinese conglomerate Wanfeng for around $11.78 million USD. Lilium also filed for bankruptcy in October 2024 after failing to secure state aid. On December 24, 2024, the company seemed saved by the investor consortium Mobile Uplift Corporation, which promised over $235.58 million USD in fresh capital. But the hope was short-lived: in February 2025, Lilium had to declare bankruptcy again as the promised funds never materialized. A massive failure for the once-promising vision of a regional electric flying taxi.

Industry Collaborations And Development Perspectives

Vertical Aerospace relies on strong partners. Together with Honeywell, the company is developing safety-critical components such as flight controls and avionics. Meanwhile, another project is underway: a hybrid VTOL with a 1,000-mile range for logistics and defense applications. The technology is modular, and the fields of application are diverse. Economically, Vertical Aerospace appears stable. In the first quarter of 2025, the company was able to reduce its operating losses, partly due to favorable evaluations of existing financial obligations. The market readiness of the VX4 is approaching, positioning the company as a pioneer in a growing market segment. The public test flight between two airports is a significant signal. It demonstrates that electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft are no longer a distant vision. While challenges remain—in battery technology, infrastructure, and certification—the VX4 proves that eVTOLs are well on their way to becoming part of regular air traffic.  (mr)

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