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Electric flying taxi developer Vertical Aerospace starts test flights of its new prototype
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Electric flying taxi developer Vertical Aerospace has begun flight testing of its prototype.
The company’s VX4 aircraft took off for the first time last weekend in what the company said was a “major milestone” in its bid to fully certify the aircraft by 2025.
During extensive testing in the coming months, the company hopes the VX4 can carry four passengers and travel at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour.
Hover cabin: Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 plane took off for the first time last weekend in what the company says was a ‘major milestone’
“It’s a huge leap forward for British aviation,” said Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder and CEO.
“For over 100 years, the UK has been a world leader in aviation and today Britain is a leader in the development of zero-carbon aircraft.”
New York-listed Vertical has received more than 1,400 orders from airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines and Air Asia, as the industry strives to reduce carbon emissions.
American Airlines also has a 5.4 percent stake, with other lenders including US investment firm Mudrick Capital, which owns 8.7 percent.
Shares fell 20 percent to $6.62 on Wall Street last night.