Electric flying taxi developer Vertical Aerospace has started test flights of its prototype. 

Electric flying taxi developer Vertical Aerospace has started test flights of its prototype.

The firm’s VX4 aircraft took off for the first time over the weekend in what the company said was a ‘significant milestone’ in its effort to have the plane fully certified by 2025.

In extensive testing in coming months the company hopes the VX4 will be able to carry four passengers and travel at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. 

‘It’s a giant leap forward for British aviation,’ said Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder and chief executive. 

 ‘For more than 100 years the UK has been a global leader in aviation and today Britain is leading the world in the development of zero carbon aircraft.’

Vertical, listed in New York, has had over 1,400 orders from airlines including Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines and Air Asia as the industry looks to cut down on carbon emissions.

American Airlines also owns a 5.4 per cent stake, with other backers including US investment firm Mudrick Capital, which owns 8.7 per cent. 

The shares fell 20 per cent to $6.62 on Wall Street last night.