FutureFlight
Japanese Parking Lots Could Be Launch Pads for eVTOL Air Taxis
Skyports is expanding its plans to build vertiports through a new alliance with partners in Japan.
Skyports develops vertiports for eVTOL aircraft.
Skyports works with eVTOL aircraft developers and local partners to develop vertiports. (Image: Skyports)

Japanese parking lot and car-sharing operator Park24 plans to develop vertiports for eVTOL aircraft operations with advanced air mobility (AAM) ground infrastructure group Skyports. Under a memorandum of understanding announced on May 27, the companies will explore how vertiports could be integrated with Park24’s existing facilities in the Kansai region of Japan.

The collaboration also involves insurance firm Aioi Nissay Dowa and Japanese trading company Kanematsu Corporation, which is an investor in UK-based Skyports and has been working with it on AAM plans since April 2020. Aioi Nissay Dowa intends to provide insurance cover for the new ground infrastructure required for the air taxi services that are set to launch in Japan, starting in Osaka, in 2025.