Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, welcomed the U.K. 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 U.K. from 2028.
The delivery model provides U.K. 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 the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)’s standards, and sets out a comprehensive framework covering training, aerodromes, and the rulemaking roadmap.
Notably, the U.K. 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 Aerospace.
The model ensures that rulemaking activities are aligned with the U.K. 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 U.K. 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 Aerospace is already deeply engaged with the U.K. CAA, participating in all the regulator’s eVTOL working groups to help shape rulemaking across certification, operations, training, and infrastructure. Vertical Aerospace also continues to work closely with the regulator, government and U.K. 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 U.K.’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.”
This press release was prepared and distributed by Vertical Aerospace.
