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Japan aviation news

SkyDrive and JR East begin discussions to explore eVTOL experiences at AZUMA FARM KOIWAI

SkyDrive has initiated discussions with JR East to provide eVTOL experiences at a premium hotel AZUMA FARM KOIWAI. Scheduled to open in spring 2026 at Koiwai Farm, the hotel aims to offer guests a unique opportunity to experience air travel as part of its exclusive services. SkyDrive is developing a lightweight, three-seater eVTOL aircraft that will play a key future role in the com...

Japan’s National Police Agency becomes new Airbus H160 operator

The National Police Agency of Japan has taken delivery of two Airbus H160 helicopters, making it the first para-public operator of the type in Japan. The first H160 was delivered at the end of last year, with the second delivery in January. Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan commented: “We are very proud of the delivery of the first public service...

Wingcopter, ITOCHU and ANA test drone-based transport of research blood in Japan

ITOCHU Corporation, Wingcopter's partner in Japan, have tested the transport of research blood using Wingcopter's delivery drone in a research project. Together with ANA Holdings and the local blood center of the Japanese Red Cross, research blood was flown between the cities of Urasoe and Nago in Okinawa Prefecture. The project aims to investigate the effectiveness and effi...

AutoFlight achieves historic first flight in Japan, advancing global AAM development

AutoFlight has marked a significant milestone with its first successful flight in Japan. On November 29, company’s two-ton eVTOL aircraft completed its inaugural demonstration flight in Okayama Prefecture. The historic eVTOL flight was conducted in collaboration with MASC, a Japanese non-profit organization dedicated to aerospace industry advancement. With full approval from the Japan C...

Japan Airlines’ and Soracle announces agreement including intended purchase of up to $500M of electric aircraft from Archer

Archer Aviation and Soracle, a joint venture newly established by Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation, signed agreements focused on bringing advanced air mobility services to Japan. Soracle plans to launch its AAM operation in Japan using Archer Midnight aircraft, with the goal of offering electric air taxi flights in cities where existing ground transportation is constrained by traf...

Toyota and Joby complete first air taxi flight in Japan

Toyota Motor Corporation and Joby Aviation announced the completion of Joby’s first international exhibition flight which took place at Toyota Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Shizuoka, Japan. The flight, completed within sight of Mount Fuji, marked an opportunity to demonstrate the low acoustic footprint of Joby’s emissions-free aircraft and celebrate nearly seven years of c...

Airbus, Kansai Airports, Kawasaki Heavy Industries to accelerate readiness of hydrogen aircraft operations

Airbus, Kansai Airports, and Kawasaki have signed a MoU to study the feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure at three airports operated in the Kansai region - Kansai International Airport, Osaka International Airport, and Kobe Airport. With this MoU, the three parties will conduct an initial feasibility study for the introduction and operation of hydrogen aircraft as part of the “Hy...

Toho Air signs for an additional AW139 helicopter to enhance shuttle service in Japan

Toho Air Service, Mitsui Bussan Aerospace and Leonardo signed a contract for the supply of an additional Leonardo AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter for Tokyo-Ai land shuttle services. The aircraft is expected to be delivered in 2025.Toho Air, headquartered in Tokyo and with over 60 years of experience, operates commuter helicopter service linking together the six major Izu islands. Th...

Embraer showcases portfolio of aircraft solutions at Japan International Aerospace Exhibition

Embraer will showcase its innovative aircraft and solutions from its commercial aviation and defense portfolio at the Japan Aerospace Exhibition from October 16 to 19 2024. The company will feature its renowned E-Jets family of commercial aircraft, the multi-mission C-390 Millennium airlifter and advanced air mobility solutions from Eve Air Mobility, an independent company founded by Embraer. M...

SkyDrive and Osaka Metro sign agreement towards social implementation of eVTOL after the EXPO 2025

SkyDrive Inc.has signed an agreement with Osaka Metro to study the feasibility of using eVTOL in the Osaka area after the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. In addition, Osaka Metro invested in SkyDrive. SkyDrive's mission is "taking the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution," and its vision is to create a future where everyone uses eVTOLs for daily transportation in Ja...

Eve Air Mobility and AirX sign LOI for up to 50 eVTOLs, service support & urban ATM software

Eve Air Mobility has signed a LOI with Japan largest public helicopter air charter service AirX for up to 10 firm and up to 40 optional eVTOL aircraft. The order will support the continued development and scaling of innovative transportation operations in Japan. Asia-Pacific region is an important market for Eve Air Mobility. The company continues to build diverse relationships...

Japan Coast Guard adds three H225s

Japan Coast Guard placed an additional order for three H225 helicopters, taking its total H225 fleet up to 18. The largest Super Puma operator in Japan received three H225s in December 2023 and one in February 2024 for its growing fleet. The new helicopters will support territorial coastal activities, maritime law enforcement, as well as disaster relief missions in the country. Jean-Luc Alfonsi...