Flying taxis on verge of takeoff as Vertical Aerospace targets UK factory boom

Flying taxis are set to become a reality in Britain, as Vertical Aerospace announces plans to establish a major production site capable of building 700 battery-powered air taxis per year. Chief executive Stuart Simpson, unveiling the initiative ahead of an investor event in New York, envisions Britain as a potential global leader in this rapidly emerging sector.

Simpson, an industry veteran, stressed the UK’s unique opportunity to nurture homegrown technological innovation and entrepreneurial spirit into a tangible industrial success. The company is actively considering locations across the country, with government grants potentially influencing the final decision. Vertical Aerospace aims to do what the UK too seldom achieves—retain world-leading design and manufacturing expertise on British soil.

The eVTOL market, referring to electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, is now down to a handful of serious contenders. Bristol-based Vertical Aerospace stands out as one of just three companies worldwide with realistic prospects for commercial launch within the next five years, alongside Archer Aviation and Joby of California. Having recently secured $170 million in fresh investment, Vertical is now hiring an additional 100 staff, expected to swell to 4,000 when full production is underway. Current headcount sits at 450.

With approximately 1,500 provisional orders—amounting to about £6bn—from prominent customers such as American Airlines and Japan Airlines, the VX4 model is drawing significant interest. Designed to carry a pilot plus several passengers in a cabin around the size of a London black cab, the VX4 promises zero emissions and the speed to redefine journeys such as Heathrow to the City, potentially slashing commutes to just twelve minutes during peak times. Pricing is forecast at roughly £2 per seat per mile, on par with conventional taxis, indicating broad mainstream potential as production expands and operational costs decline.

The company’s financial foundation has improved markedly after a turbulent period of investor bailouts and management changes. Although short-term cash cycles remain commonplace in the sector, Simpson now asserts the firm is in its strongest-ever funding position, armed with $140 million to carry it through to mid-2026. Significant milestones have recently been achieved, including a successful airport-to-airport test flight across Gloucestershire.

Supply chain partnerships and regulatory expertise are being lined up, with Spain’s Aciturri Aerostructures supplying fuselage and wings, and Honeywell providing the flight deck controls. The recruitment of Patrick Ky, former head of the European Aviation Safety Agency, is expected to guide the regulatory approval process, targeting Civil Aviation Authority certification for 2028. Vertical Aerospace also plans to build a gigafactory in the UK for annual battery pack replacement, signalling further investment and jobs.

With only half a dozen serious players remaining after an initial surge of hundreds, Vertical Aerospace is strongly positioned to capitalise on the growing demand for fast, clean, short-range air travel. Investor interest remains robust, and the prospect of flying taxis taking British skies by the decade’s end is more tangible than ever before.