UK-based and New York-listed Vertical Aerospace has been given what it said is the first Design Organisation Approval (DOA) issued to an eVTOL manufacturer by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
The approval is for the VX4, an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, for which Vertical Aerospace has also sought regulatory backing for in the US, European Union and Japan.
"The granting of Design Organisation Approval to Vertical is an essential step on their journey bringing an eVTOL aircraft into service. It emphasises our commitment to making the UK a key destination for aviation innovator," said the CAA's Garry Lathey.
“I am immensely proud that Vertical is the first British electric aircraft company in history to receive a DOA from the UK aviation regulator," said chief executive and founder Stephen Fitzpatrick.