Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

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Aciturri Aerostructures has agreed to manufacture the airframe for Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 eVTOL aircraft. On August 4, the companies announced that they have signed a long-term strategic partnership under which Spain-based Aciturri will produce the wing, empennage, pylons, and fuselage for the four-passenger model.
The agreement covers production of further pre-production and series production examples of the VX4, for which UK-based Vertical aims to complete type certification in 2028. Aciturri also now has engineering responsibility for several structural components and will support its UK-based partner with concurrent manufacturing engineering for the airframe.
<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2021-02-23/aerostructures-group-diversifies-evtol-aircraft-sector">Aciturri</a> is already contracted to produce structures for <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-06-14/eve-predicts-30000-evtols-global-fleet-2045">Eve Air Mobility’s eVTOL aircraft</a> and was a key partner and investor for the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2023-09-19/lilium-and-aciturri-start-building-first-evtol-aircraft-certification">Lilium Jet</a> before its German manufacturer folded in February. The company has been active in the aerospace industry for almost 50 years and also designs and makes airframe components for airliners and military aircraft produced by Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer.
In May, Vertical announced the expansion of its partnership with Honeywell Aerospace, which is now producing the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-05-08/honeywell-expands-role-vertical-aerospaces-vx4-evtol-aircraft">inceptor hand controllers</a> to be used by eVTOL pilots, as well as certifying its Anthem fly-by-wire flight deck for the VX4. Honeywell is also an <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-07-15/vertical-raises-60-million-vx4-evtol-aircraft-development">investor in Vertical</a>, which last month confirmed it has raised a further $60 million to support work on the program through the middle of 2026.
“As we accelerate toward commercialization, the VX4 demands an airframe built specifically for the unique challenges of eVTOL [aircraft] and the high levels of safety certification,” said Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson. “As a leading global supplier, Aciturri brings the world-class capability, agility, and technical excellence we need to turn great designs into great aircraft.”
Vertical has been expanding the flight-test campaign with a pair of VX4 prototypes. These have included the first piloted wingborne flights and an airport-to-airport sortie to attend the RIAT <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2025-07-18/vertical-touts-vx4-evtol-military-missions-uks-riat-air-show">defense show</a> in the UK.

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Aciturri Signs To Make Airframes for Vertical’s VX4 eVTOL Aircraft

Scope of production package covers the wing, empennage, pylons, and fuselage

Vertical has confirmed Aciturri Aerostructures’ strategic role in building the complete airframe for its VX4 eVTOL aircraft.

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