From London to Brighton in 30 minutes - Flying taxi eyes 2024 commercial flight launch

Image credit: Vertical Aerospace

The VA-1X flying taxi has been designed to be a high performing aircraft, able to connect entire regions as well as carrying out shorter missions across single cities, Vertical Aerospace has said.

Capable of carrying up to five people, a pilot and four passengers, VA-1X is set to be the world’s first certified winged all-electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and is on course to start commercial flights in 2024.

Build of the aircraft will begin shortly, with manufacturing taking place in the UK.

A spokesperson for the company has said safety is at the heart of Vertical Aerospace and comes before anything else.

The VA-1X will be flown by experienced pilots and certified through EASA, at exactly the same safety levels that we expect from commercial airlines.

"VA-1X will have exceptional safety levels, inherent redundancy and be a really safe, great way to travel", said the company.

Image credit: Vertical Aerospace

The company went on to add: “Sustainability is at the forefront of everything Vertical Aerospace works on. Not only does VA-1X achieve emission-free flight, with no fumes or contaminants from combustion products, it will also be powered by renewable energy where possible.

Image credit: Vertical Aerospace

“Vertical Aerospace strives to set the highest ethical and environmental standards. We work with our suppliers to ensure that VA-1X has a truly sustainable supply chain.

“VA-1X has been designed with noise reduction in mind. Using distributed propulsion and large open rotors, that have significantly lower tip speeds than on a helicopter, VA-1X can achieve noise levels 30 times quieter than an equivalent helicopter, allowing it to blend into inner-city life.

“Inherently, VA-1X will be exceptionally aerodynamically efficient, able to fly with far less energy and power than a helicopter would need. With cruise speeds of 150 mph and a range of up to 100 miles, you could travel from London to Brighton in approximately half an hour, compared to two hours driving, or an hour by train.”