Vertical Aerospace (EVTL) said Tuesday that it has completed the first-ever piloted wingborne flight of a winged electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft in open airspace.

The company said the VX4 prototype, flown by chief test pilot Simon Davies at Cotswold Airport, took off, flew, and landed like a conventional aircraft using wing-generated lift.

The completion of the flight test would bring the VX4 closer to its full piloted transition flight, which is expected late this year, and would demonstrate the aircraft's ability to shift from vertical lift to forward cruise, Vertical Aerospace said.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority is working with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to certify the VX4 to commercial safety standards, the company said.

Shares of the company were up 5.6% in recent Tuesday's premarket activity.