Vertical Aerospace (Vertical), the manufacturer of the VA-X4 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, has announced a collaboration with Heathrow Airport to explore how Vertical's VA-X4 could operate from Heathrow by the mid-2020s.
The companies have described the agreement as a “significant milestone for Britain's zero-emissions aviation industry”.
Stephen Fitzpatrick, CEO and Founder of Vertical, said: "This partnership is a big step forward as we try to get the UK to Net Zero by 2050. This announcement marks the start of an exciting relationship that will help make eVTOLs flying from Heathrow by the mid-2020s a reality."
Chris Annetts, Chief Strategy Officer of Heathrow, said "This emerging technology has the potential to reduce congestion and pollution on local roads, while providing passengers with a best-in-class experience on the cutting edge of modern technology. We look forward to exploring the possibilities of zero-emissions flight together."
Both parties will work closely to explore how this new technology can fit into existing operations at the airport, build understanding of the regulatory changes that would be required, maximise potential job opportunities and minimise any potential impacts on communities surrounding the airport.
With speeds of up to 200 mph, Vertical's piloted eVTOL will be able to transport four passengers in near silence from Heathrow to the City of London in 12 minutes, with zero operating emissions and which is being proposed “at a cost similar to a taxi”.
Virgin Atlantic has already announced a partnership for the UK launch of an eVTOL network with Vertical and conditional pre-order options for up to 150 VA-X4s.
Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said: "Today's new partnership between Vertical Aerospace and Heathrow Airport is an exciting next step on the pathway to creating the infrastructure needed to support eVTOL operations at our Heathrow hub. We look forward to working closely with both Vertical and London Heathrow to transform the first and last 100-mile journey of passengers travelling through Heathrow".
Vertical's global customers include American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Avolon, Bristow Group, Iberojet and Marubeni Corporation. Through these relationships, Vertical states that it believes it has the largest conditional pre-order book in the eVTOL industry, of up to 1,350 aircraft worth $5.4bn.