Test Flight of Britain’s First Air Taxi

Simon Davies conducted a test flight of Britain’s first 'air taxi', the VX4, at Cotswolds Airport, potentially transforming commutes with Uber-style airborne trips. This aircraft, by British firm Vertical Aerospace, can slash hour-long car journeys to just 11 minutes by cruising at 150 mph and taking off vertically like a helicopter. Simon, an ex-Royal Air Force pilot, highlights the ease of piloting the VX4 due to its simplified, highly automated controls. Vertical Aerospace is currently in the second phase of testing, with plans to complete four phases by 2028. The prototype, which is quieter and costs less to maintain than a helicopter, is expected to get certified by the UK Civil Aviation Authority and start operations. The air taxi aims to offer a quicker, more efficient travel alternative, initially targeting airport commutes while expanding to more regions. The company is creating infrastructure like vertiports and anticipates that the aircraft will have a significant impact on reducing traffic congestion.