Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports), a leader in vertiport infrastructure for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry, in partnership with an all-British consortium of leading aviation companies, has launched the OxCam AAM Corridor demonstrator based at Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire, which will look to test and exhibit the commercial and operational viability of electric air-taxi operations between Oxford and Cambridge.
Commencing earlier this month from 1 October, and bringing together the expertise of Skyports, Bristow Helicopters, NATS, Vertical Aerospace and Oxfordshire County Council, the six-month project aims to accelerate the transition of AAM from trials to commercially viable, regional operations within the UK.
Bringing together unparallelled expertise in vertiport development, aviation operations, aircraft technologies, airspace management and regional planning, the consortium will build on existing initiatives by focussing on the entire ecosystem for regional commercial services.
This includes detailed operational planning, regulatory readiness, community engagement strategies and infrastructure integration within the important Oxford to Cambridge corridor.
In providing a robust business case and concept of operations for the commercialisation of regional electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) operations, the project aims to directly support the government’s ambition to ‘kick-start the economy’ by fostering rapid growth and improved connectivity in key regions, contributing to the Chancellor’s vision for the Oxfordshire-Cambridge Corridor to add substantial value to the UK economy by 2035.
In addition to demonstrating the Oxford to Cambridge route, a significant highlight of the project will be a planned 'A to A' piloted eVTOL demonstration flight of Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 prototype, which will take place next year from Skyports’ Bicester Vertiport – the first time a piloted passenger eVTOL will fly in the UK from a vertiport.
The data from this live flight demonstration will directly feed into and support the OxCam desktop exercises, simulations and demonstrations.
The project has been supported by a successful bid and subsidy from UKRI’s 'Future Flight: Regional Demonstrator 2', which has the overall objective of accelerating the transition from trials of cutting edge innovations (such as eVTOLs) to real world commercial operations at a regional scale.
In turn, the project’s aim is to serve as a foundational step towards unlocking increased productivity, job creation, and private investment in the UK’s AAM sector, enhancing regional connectivity and contributing significantly to the nation’s net-zero targets and ‘levelling up’ agenda.
Announcement of this project comes soon after the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) set out its eVTOL Development Model, a regulatory framework to facilitate commercial eVTOL flights in the UK by the end of 2028.
Duncan Walker, Chief Executive Officer, Skyports, said: “This project is truly innovative in its pragmatic, end-end approach, demonstrating how AAM can deliver significant economic social and environmental benefits to UK communities, ultimately boosting the national economy and cementing Britain’s global leadership in future flight. It’s a privilege to bring together and lead this consortium of top UK aviation companies, which will have a direct impact on the local economy.”
Michael Cervenka, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer at Vertical Aerospace, added: “The UK is perfectly positioned to lead the next generation of sustainable aviation. By uniting world-class expertise in aircraft design, infrastructure, regulation and operations, this project shows how we can turn ambition into reality. Together, we are laying the groundwork for an entirely new mode of travel that will transform regional connectivity, support our economy and put Britain at the forefront of electric flight.”
Dave Stepanek, Executive Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer at Bristow said: “Bristow is proud to be part of this important demonstration of AAM. Our role reflects our commitment to safely introducing new technologies that can enhance connectivity and serve communities in new ways. Working with strong partners across the industry, we see this project as a practical step towards understanding how electric vertical lift can complement existing aviation services in the UK.”
Mark Balsdon, Head of NAU Accounts & Partnerships, NATS said: “We are proud to continue being a part of the Future Flight Challenge, working to enable the safe and sustainable integration of new airspace users at scale. Project OXCAM continues to demonstrate the commercial viability of a potential end-to-end operation which is extremely exciting.”
Laura Peacock, Head of Innovation, Oxfordshire County Council added: “As a local authority, we are proud to play a role in shaping how AAM and future flight technologies can benefit communities across Oxfordshire and beyond. This project is a chance to demonstrate how innovation can be harnessed not just for economic growth, but for real societal and positive environmental impact. By working alongside leading industry partners, Innovate Oxfordshire is ensuring that the lessons learned here can help position Oxfordshire & the UK at the forefront of safe, sustainable aviation.”
Daniel Geoghegan, Chief Executive Officer, Bicester Motion said: “Congratulations to the consortium on this pioneering project and especially to Skyports Infrastructure for their vision to deliver one of the UK’s first eVTOL testing grounds and hubs.
“Utilising their vertiport at Bicester Motion as the launchpad for eVTOL aircraft connecting Oxford and Cambridge is paving the way for innovative, sustainable transport options right here in Bicester. This initiative not only highlights the forward-thinking approach to transport but also underscores a crucial shift towards eco-friendly mobility solutions. As we embrace this era of aerial transit, Bicester Motion is proud to stand at the forefront of a transport revolution, showcasing how collaboration and vision can transform urban connectivity and support a greener future.”