New flight corridors in the Kansai region aim to reduce travel times by 80% as the partnership targets piloted demonstration flights by 2026
스토리 및 이미지 크레딧: 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.
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