Vertical Aerospace & Marubeni Accelerate Plans For Japanese AAM Electric Air Taxi Routes

New flight corridors in the Kansai region aim to reduce travel times by 80% as the partnership targets piloted demonstration flights by 2026

Story and Image Credit: Joe Macey
aaminternational.com

Vertical Aerospace and Marubeni Corporation are accelerating the development of a commercial roadmap for electric air taxi services across Japan.

The collaboration focuses on establishing an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) route network, moving toward the commercial deployment of zero-emission flight. This initiative includes plans for piloted demonstration flights in the Osaka Bay area, currently targeted for 2026. The partnership leverages Marubeni’s extensive experience in aviation, infrastructure, and mobility to build the necessary operating ecosystem.

Technical evaluations of a flagship corridor in the Kansai region suggest that electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft could reduce travel times by nearly 80% compared to traditional ground transport. The companies are progressing several specific use cases, including premium tourism links from urban centers to destinations like Awaji Island and Shodoshima. Additionally, the network is intended to provide airport shuttle connections between hubs such as Izumisano, Osaka, and Kobe, as well as supporting essential services like time-critical medical and logistics transport in the Osaka-Hyogo districts.

The primary vehicle for these operations will be Valo, Vertical’s certification aircraft. Valo is engineered to meet airliner-level safety standards, with the capability to fly at speeds up to 240 km/h and cover distances of up to 160 km with zero operating emissions. Beyond the pure electric model, Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant designed for increased range and mission flexibility.

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.”

The regulatory path for entry into service was established in 2023 when the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) accepted Vertical’s application into the type validation program. Vertical is currently targeting airliner-level safety type certification for Valo with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in 2028, which will be followed by JCAB validation.

Marubeni has reinforced its commercial commitment to the project through pre-delivery slot reservation payments for the first 25 of a planned 200 Valo aircraft. This follows public engagement efforts at the 2025 Osaka World Expo, where the aircraft’s cabin experience and simulated flight routes were showcased to millions of visitors.

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.”

Ongoing discussions with regional partners continue to focus on the development of physical operating infrastructure and the long-term aftermarket support required to sustain a national air taxi network.

… notes from SP

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EVHNews

Electric-Hybrid E Automotive, E Aviation, E Marine Technology & Future Innovative Electric-Hybrid VTOL Aerospace Tech News Around The World! EVHNews.com is a dedicated global digital Technology platform for EVVTOL a Global EV / Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation, E-VTOL, E-Marine Future Technology Industry Show & Expo Event Organization where the world biggest EV & E-VTOL brands invest in the future of transportation. EV H News is committed to the Electric Vehicles & EV-Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation E-VTOL-UAV E-Marine, industry including e-mobility e-semi & e-truck. This digital platform will include reviews and resources from global industry leaders, many with a focus on clean blue technology and alternative fuels where applicable. EVH news platform is for all to have access to the tools and information available for the future for breakthrough e-technology of the e-automotive, e-aviation, e-marine, e-motorcycle e-semi & e-truck e-motorsport industries. About EVVTOL • EVVTOL a new corporation branding itself as the most Influential global future technology show / expo event organization by strategically positioning itself to successfully facilitate EV and VTOL transportation industry clients with their needs! • EVVTOL’s goal is to showcase the EV & VTOL industry and introduce the major EV & VTOL vehicles and component manufactures in the e-tech world by unveiling and displaying cutting-edge EV & E-VTOL technology. • EVVTOL mission is to introduce multiple technology shows & expos including influential high-level EV business summits based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the EV & E mobility Industry, energy vehicle information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest future transportation technology advancements in EV& VTOL industry, and the battery energy challenges that still remain. (evvtol.org) 877-4EV-VTOL (877-438-8865)

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