Vertical Aerospace Ltd. has announced “Flightpath 2030,” the company’s strategy for eVTOL market leadership before the end of the decade.
As Vertical advances its piloted flight test program, which has entered into Phase 2, “Flightpath 2030” sets a clear route for the company’s journey from prototype to production.
This strategic plan builds on Vertical’s current progress and is underpinned by learnings from its piloted flight test program: using a full-sized prototype, positive engagement with its home regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and robust planning by Vertical’s Leadership Team.
Flightpath 2030
Vertical’s mission is to pioneer electric aviation by integrating four strategic intents – pioneering culture, redefining aerospace best practice, intelligent partnering, and safety obsession – into every stage of development and operations. This is reflected in the strategic goals it has set out to deliver.
By the end of the decade, Vertical is targeting:
Delivering a Minimum of 150 Aircraft to Customers
The company aims to achieve significant milestones in high-quality, large-scale production. Vertical is currently collaborating with leading aerospace firms including GKN Aerospace, Hanwha, Honeywell, Leonardo, Molicel, and Syensqo, combining this with innovation as needed, such as with its own proprietary powertrain and propeller technology.
Achieving an Annual Production Rate Exceeding 200 VX4 Units in Q4 2030
Vertical plans to scale up to greater than 700 units per year in the medium-term to deliver against a leading pre-order book.
To achieve this goal, Ross Crawford has been appointed to lead Vertical’s manufacturing capabilities. Crawford has extensive experience in early-stage manufacturing ramp ups, including at Jaguar Land Rover.
Positioning Vertical to Become Sustainably Cash Generative
Vertical aims to achieve cash break-even in 2030, given the capital efficiency of its focused OEM business model. Gross profit margin is currently expected to build to >40% in the following years.
Certifying the VX4 in 2028 & First Major Upgrade in 2030
This expectation follows Vertical’s positive engagement with the CAA as well as its progress, insights, and growing confidence from the second piloted flight test plan.
The flight test program began in 2024 and recently advanced to Phase 2: untethered, piloted thrustborne flight – a critical milestone on the path to certification. The aircraft is reportedly performing beyond expectations.
The VX4’s high performance powertrain allows for future capacity increases, giving customers flexibility. While the current prototype seats four passengers, its cabin width and robust powertrain enable the potential to accommodate six passengers and extend its range with minimal adjustments to the design or certification requirements.
Maintaining a Zero Accident Rate
The company aims to certify to the highest level of safety – 10-9, the same as for commercial airliners – whilst upholding a commitment to rigorous safety standards across the business.
Additionally, in 2025 Vertical plans to:
- Fly full-scale piloted transition.
- Build and fly its third full-scale VX4 prototype.
- Fly full-scale piloted flights demonstrating real-world use cases.
- Earn additional DOA privileges including Flight Conditions privilege granted by the CAA.
- Initiate production with long-range parts purchasing.
- Strengthen its operating model and shift its approach to focus on execution.
Stuart Simpson, CEO at Vertical Aerospace, commented, “This is a transformational moment for Vertical as we advance from prototype to production. Since I became CEO, I’ve been clear that I want Vertical to lead — not just compete in — the eVTOL sector.
“The strategy and goals we are unveiling today provide a new level of detail on how exactly we intend to get there – the best team, delivering the safest and most versatile aircraft, with the most compelling business model in the industry.”
David King, Chief Engineer at Vertical Aerospace, added, “The eVTOL sector isn’t just another iteration of existing tech; we’re defining an entirely new category of aircraft. Innovating in this space demands a radical shift in how we develop aerospace solutions. In the UK, with its unmatched aviation heritage, world-class talent, and a thriving ecosystem, we’re driving that change. Today’s plan sets out exactly how we will make this new dawn of travel a reality.”
