Japan Airlines (JAL) is to lease or purchase up to 100 of Vertical Aerospace’s VA-X4 eVTOL aircraft from leasing group Avolon. In an agreement announced on October 20, the carrier said it holds rights to take an initial 50 of the four-passenger vehicle, with options for up to 50 more, as part of a provisional order placed by Avolon with the manufacturer in September for 310 units and options for 190 more.
Through its investment and innovation division, Avolon-e, the Ireland-based leasing group said it has launched a strategic partnership with JAL to prepare the way for launching scheduled advanced air mobility services in Japan in time for the Osaka Kansai Expo event in 2025. The companies will identify local partners and customers for eVTOL flights, establish infrastructure requirements, support efforts to certify the aircraft with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau, and develop a commercial model for what they describe as ride-sharing services.
