Supports Initiatives Accelerating AAM Vehicle Development

Vertical Aerospace, an electric aircraft developer based in Bristol, UK, praised the country’s Department of Transportation’s announcement of funding for projects focused on next-generation advanced air mobility vehicles and vertical takeoff and landing technology.

One of the projects on the receiving end of support is the “OxCam AAM Corridor,” a demonstrator that brings together the expertise of Vertical Aerospace, Skyports, Bristow Helicopters, NATS, and Oxford City Council to accelerate AAM from trials to commercially viable regional operations in the UK.

The project will be capped by test flights with Vertical’s VX4 aircraft.

The funding comes from Innovate UK under the government’s Future Flight program, and is designed to further the UK’s global leadership in the future of aviation. The government has committed £2.3 billion over the next ten years to the Aerospace Technology Institute program to support the development and manufacture of newer and more efficient electric aircraft.

Simon Masters, Deputy Challenge Director for Future Flight at Innovate UK, said, “Innovate UK is proud to continue supporting the UK’s future flight ecosystem, accelerating the route to commercial operations and delivering real-world impact.

“These ambitious new projects highlight the strength of the sector and its diverse applications, from reducing emissions, advancing healthcare delivery and protecting our environment. By focusing on regional adoption, we aim to drive faster, more impactful growth and societal benefits for communities across the UK.”

Michael Cervenka, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer at Vertical Aerospace, said, “The UK is perfectly positioned to lead the next generation of sustainable aviation. By uniting world-class expertise in aircraft design, infrastructure, regulation and operations, this project shows how we can turn ambition into reality.

"Together, we are laying the groundwork for an entirely new mode of travel that will transform regional connectivity, support our economy and put Britain at the forefront of electric flight.”

FMI:  vertical-aerospace.com/