Momentum Builds for eVTOL Aircraft Operations in Japan

This week, eVTOL aircraft developers Volocopter, SkyDrive, EHang and Vertical Aerospace have all enjoyed progress in their efforts to gain market share in the country's emerging advanced air mobility sector.

EHang recently conducted what it says was the first passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft flight in Japan with its EH216 autonomous vehicle. (Image: EHang)

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

February 21, 2023

Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau has accepted Volocopter’s request to process its application to type certify its two-seat VoloCity eVTOL aircraft concurrently with the European air safety agency EASA. The German manufacturer is also working on type certification with the FAA and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.

Volocopter’s announcement on February 21 was the third indicator this week of Japan’s intent to include advanced air mobility (AAM) services in its future public transportation strategy. On the same day, Tokyo-based SkyDrive confirmed that its SD-05 vehicle will participate in the Smart Mobility Expo as part of the Future Society Showcase Project Exhibitions during the Expo 2025 event in Osaka. Last week, China’s EHang conducted what it said was the first passenger-carrying eVTOL demonstration flight in Japan with its two-seat, EH216 autonomous aerial vehicle.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

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