Vertical and Honeywell expand VX4 eVTOL partnership

Vertical Aerospace has signed a new long-term agreement with Honeywell to expand their existing partnership, reinforcing Honeywell’s commitment to certifying and producing the VX4 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This agreement marks a major step in the VX4’s development as both companies collaborate to certify two essential onboard systems: the aircraft management system, which includes the Honeywell Anthem flight deck, and the flight controls system, incorporating Honeywell’s compact fly-by-wire technology.

The Anthem flight deck acts as the VX4’s digital command centre, integrating cockpit displays, software, and controls into a smart platform that supports more intuitive and automated piloting. The fly-by-wire system enables precise, electronic control of the aircraft, enhancing safety, stability, and ease of flight.

Both systems will be certified to the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s 10⁻⁹ safety standard, a benchmark equating to one catastrophic failure per billion flight hours — the same level required for commercial airliners. This exceeds the safety targets set by several of Vertical’s competitors and is expected to make the VX4 one of the most certifiable and exportable eVTOL aircraft in the global market.

To accelerate progress, Vertical and Honeywell will share personnel, technical expertise, and testing facilities. The VX4 remains on course for certification in 2028, with Vertical aiming to deliver at least 150 aircraft by 2030 as part of its ‘Flightpath 2030’ vision. The extended partnership is projected to be worth up to US$1 billion over the next decade and builds on a six-year relationship between the companies, which has already included two test flight campaigns and long-standing investment from Honeywell.