Joby Aviation

Joby S4

VS
Vertical Aerospace

Vertical VX4

Joby S4 vs Vertical VX4: Complete eVTOL Comparison 2026

Compare Aircraft / Joby S4 vs Vertical VX4

Quick Verdict

Joby S4 and Vertical VX4 are remarkably similar on paper — both are tilt-rotor eVTOLs carrying 4 passengers at 200 mph. The key differences are in certification timeline and market focus. Joby is significantly further along, launching commercial service in Dubai Q2 2026 with FAA certification ~85% complete. Vertical Aerospace targets 2028 with EASA/CAA certification, positioning itself for the UK and European market with major airline partnerships including American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Rolls-Royce powertrain technology. Joby is the near-term choice; Vertical is a strong contender for the European market long-term.

Side-by-Side Specifications

Company
Joby S4
Joby Aviation
Vertical VX4
Vertical Aerospace
Configuration
Joby S4
Tilt-Rotor
Vertical VX4
Tilt-Rotor
Passengers
Joby S4
4 + pilot
Vertical VX4
4 + pilot
Max Speed
Joby S4
200 mph
Vertical VX4
200 mph
Range
Joby S4
150 miles
Vertical VX4
100+ miles
Cruise Altitude
Joby S4
1,500–4,000 ft
Vertical VX4
1,500–4,000 ft
Noise Level
Joby S4
~45 dB at 500m
Vertical VX4
~65 dB
Certification
Joby S4
FAA certification ~85% complete
Vertical VX4
EASA/CAA certification in progress
Expected Service
Joby S4
Dubai Q2 2026 (Launching Now)
Vertical VX4
2028 target
Ticket Price
Joby S4
$50–$200
Vertical VX4
$50–$200
Key Partners
Joby S4
Toyota, Delta Air Lines, Dubai RTA
Vertical VX4
Rolls-Royce, American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic

Where Each Excels

Joby S4

Years ahead on certification
FAA certification ~85% complete with Dubai launch Q2 2026. Vertical targets 2028 — a 2+ year gap in real-world operations.
Longer range
150 miles vs 100+ miles gives Joby an edge on regional routes and provides more operational flexibility.
Over 1,000 test flights
Joby has accumulated extensive flight test data, giving regulators and passengers more confidence in the aircraft's safety record.
Toyota manufacturing scale
Toyota's investment and manufacturing expertise position Joby to scale production faster and at lower cost.

Vertical VX4

Rolls-Royce powertrain
Electric motors developed by Rolls-Royce — one of the world's most trusted aerospace engine manufacturers — lend engineering credibility.
American Airlines & Virgin Atlantic
Partnerships with two major transatlantic airlines provide airport access and passenger distribution on both sides of the Atlantic.
1,400+ pre-orders
Strong order book demonstrates market confidence and provides revenue visibility for investors and partners.
European market positioning
EASA/CAA certification path targets the large UK and European market where Joby has less immediate presence.

Best For Each Use Case

Earliest commercial service
Joby S4
Joby launches in Dubai Q2 2026. Vertical targets 2028 — Joby will have 2+ years of commercial operations by then.
UK & European routes
Vertical VX4
Vertical's EASA/CAA certification and airline partnerships position it as the European market leader.
US domestic routes
Joby S4
Joby's FAA certification path and Delta Air Lines partnership give it the advantage in the US market.
Regional routes (80–150 mi)
Joby S4
Joby's confirmed 150-mile range exceeds Vertical's 100+ miles, providing more flexibility on longer routes.

About the Manufacturers

Joby Aviation

AircraftJoby S4
ConfigurationTilt-Rotor
StatusFAA certification ~85% complete
PartnersToyota, Delta Air Lines, Dubai RTA
Learn more about Joby Aviation

Vertical Aerospace

AircraftVertical VX4
ConfigurationTilt-Rotor
StatusEASA/CAA certification in progress
PartnersRolls-Royce, American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
Learn more about Vertical Aerospace

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Joby S4 and Vertical VX4 the same type of aircraft?
They are very similar — both are tilt-rotor eVTOLs that transition from vertical takeoff to wing-borne cruise flight. Both carry 4 passengers and a pilot, and both target 200 mph top speed. The main differences are in range (Joby: 150 mi vs Vertical: 100+ mi), certification timeline (Joby: 2026 vs Vertical: 2028), and market focus (Joby: US/Middle East first vs Vertical: UK/Europe).
Which has better airline partnerships?
Both have strong airline backing but in different markets. Joby partners with Delta Air Lines for the US market and Dubai's RTA for the Middle East. Vertical partners with American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, giving it transatlantic coverage. The quality of partnerships is comparable; the geographic coverage is complementary.
Why is Vertical Aerospace behind Joby on certification?
Joby was founded in 2009 and has been developing its aircraft for over 15 years, including over 1,000 test flights. Vertical Aerospace was founded in 2016 and is pursuing EASA certification (a different regulatory pathway than Joby's FAA route). Both paths are rigorous, but Joby's head start of 7 years is the primary factor in the timeline difference.

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