Vertical Aerospace to Build Electric Taxi Factory in Bristol

Bristol, September 24, 2025

News Summary

Vertical Aerospace is set to establish a factory at Cotswold Airport to produce the VX4 electric flying taxis, aiming for a production capacity of 25 units per year. Alongside this, they will build a battery facility to triple the production of necessary battery packs. The company targets commercial certification of the VX4 by 2028, with aspirations to produce up to 900 aircraft annually by 2035, creating significant job opportunities in the Bristol area and promoting sustainable urban transportation.

Bristol – Vertical Aerospace (VA) has announced plans to establish a factory at Cotswold Airport aimed at producing up to 25 VX4 electric flying taxis annually beginning in the near future. The Bristol-based company has set a target for the all-electric VX4 taxi to obtain commercial certification by 2028, a significant milestone in the emerging electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft sector.

To complement its manufacturing ambitions, Vertical Aerospace will also be constructing a new battery facility adjacent to its research and development center in Avonmouth, which is expected to triple the production of battery packs required for the VX4. This facility will greatly bolster the production capacity until 2030, expanding Vertical’s energy center footprint to a substantial 45,000 square feet.

Strategically, the decision to locate both the aircraft manufacturing and battery production facilities near existing operations helps to mitigate integration risks, enhance efficiency, and facilitate a seamless transition from prototype development through to certification and initial production. Notably, Vertical Aerospace is also considering additional locations within the UK and overseas for full-scale production as they aim to ramp up output to 900 aircraft per year by 2035. A final determination regarding these long-term production sites is anticipated by next year.

CEO Stuart Simpson remarked that Vertical Aerospace has shifted its plan from mere ambition to tangible execution, as evidenced by successful piloted flight tests and increased cost accuracy. The VX4 is engineered to be quieter, more economical, and capable of landing in urban centers, addressing the need for advanced urban transportation solutions.

The VX4 boasts an impressive range of 100 miles and the capacity to transport up to six passengers. The introduction of flying taxis like the VX4 has the potential to revolutionize urban transport dynamics, significantly speeding up travel times between urban and rural areas.

This initiative aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability, providing an emissions-free alternative for environmentally conscious travelers. The design of the VX4 includes eight propellers mounted on slim wings, allowing it to take off vertically like a helicopter while transitioning to fly like a conventional airplane.

Vertical Aerospace has reported successful pilot tests that have resulted in over 250 miles of crewed flight and the collection of 22 billion data points since the initial wingborne eVTOL flights began in May. Transition testing, which will demonstrate the VX4’s capability to switch seamlessly between vertical take-off and regular flight, is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.

Collaboration with the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency is in place to ensure the type certification of the VX4. To reach this goal by 2028, Vertical estimates it will require around $700 million in funding. In line with its growth plans, Vertical Aerospace aims to deliver at least 175 aircraft by 2030, with a broader objective of scaling production to 900 units per year by 2035.

The expansion of production facilities is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities within the local region, thereby supporting the economy while also transforming urban mobility. The advancements in eVTOL technology signify a new era of transportation capable of meeting the needs of both leisure and business travelers, all while addressing vital concerns regarding carbon emissions inherent in traditional travel methods.

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Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER

The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.