The UK’s first public demonstration of a full-scale wing tilt-rotor electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow this week marks a notable step towards the commercial deployment of advanced air mobility.

The flight by Vertical Aerospace, supported by the National Composites Centre, signals progress in bringing a new class of aircraft closer to market.

NCC worked with Vertical’s engineering team on the Gen 2 composite rotor blades and elements of the fuselage, addressing challenges around structural integrity, weight and resilience.

The blades must deliver vertical lift before transitioning to wingborne flight while meeting certification standards such as bird strike tolerance.

The programme also points to a maturing UK-based supply chain in the space. Around 60% of Vertical’s procurement spend remains in the UK, with approximately 30% in the South West, concentrating manufacturing capability within established aerospace clusters.

Richard Oldfield, chief executive of NCC, said: "The successful public flight of the Vertical Aerospace full-scale prototype is a landmark moment for UK aerospace, built on British engineering. Supporting high-growth companies like Vertical is how the UK secures its leadership in next-generation aviation. NCC de-risks novel engineering that turns ambitious start-ups into globally competitive manufacturers. Vertical is proof.”

Electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft represent a new aviation category, with regulatory frameworks still developing. This creates a shifting landscape across certification, liability and operational risk.

Farnborough International Airshow 2026, running until 24 July, showcases the latest advancements across the aerospace and defence industries.


Pictured: Vertical Aerospace Valo eVTOL aircraft (Source: NCC)


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