“…U.K.-based eVTOL developer Vertical Aerospace has announced a collaboration with London’s Heathrow Airport to explore how Vertical’s VA-X4 aircraft could operate from Heathrow by the mid-2020s.

The partners will study how Vertical’s electric air taxis can fit into existing operations at Heathrow, and identify the regulatory changes that would be required to accommodate them. Vertical and Heathrow said they aim to maximize potential job opportunities while minimizing any negative impacts on communities surrounding the airport.

“This announcement marks the start of an exciting relationship that will help make eVTOLs flying from Heathrow by the mid-2020s a reality,” stated Vertical CEO Stephen Fitzpatrick, highlighting the company’s existing partnerships with airlines including American and Virgin Atlantic. American has conditionally agreed to order up to 250 VA-X4 aircraft with an option for an additional 100, while Virgin Atlantic has an option to purchase between 50 and 150 of the winged electric air taxis.

Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss described the partnership between Vertical Aerospace and Heathrow as “an exciting next step on the pathway to creating the infrastructure needed to support eVTOL operations at our Heathrow hub. We look forward to working closely with both Vertical and London Heathrow to transform the first and last 100-mile journey of passengers traveling through Heathrow.”