At the Singapore Airshow, eVTOL developer Vertical Aerospace has announced that, working in partnership with Japan’s Marubeni Corporation, the companies are advancing plans for a future Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) network across the country, which Vertical says marks a significant step toward the commercial deployment of electric air taxi services in Japan.
Ahead of this, the companies are progressing plans for piloted demonstration flights in the Osaka Bay area, targeted for 2026, using one of Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 prototypes which are currently completing the final phase of their flight test programme. Clearly the timing of the project will be linked to the timing of the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) issuing a permit to fly for the VX4.
Commenting on the announcement, Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said: “Japan combines strong regulatory leadership, advanced infrastructure and trusted industrial partners, making it one of the most promising markets globally for Advanced Air Mobility. Our partnership with Marubeni and engagement with JCAB demonstrate our careful, step-by-step approach to developing real-world Valo operations, grounded in safety, certification and public acceptance.”
Toru Okazaki, Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Aerospace & Mobility Division, Marubeni Corporation, added: “We are pleased to take this next step with Vertical Aerospace as we progress toward demonstration flying in Japan. By advancing route development in the Kansai region, we see significant opportunities to build the operating infrastructure and ecosystem required to accelerate AAM adoption.”
Image: Vertical Aerospace
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