2022
Demonstration for the Social Implementation of Flying Cars in Osaka Prefecture
- Project Selected by the Osaka Prefectural Government -
Sep. 07, 2022
Marubeni Corporation
Marubeni Corporation (hereinafter, “Marubeni”) has been selected by the Osaka Prefectural Government to receive a subsidy for its urban flying car business project and will conduct a demonstration test for the social implementation of flying cars in Osaka Prefecture.
Marubeni has been planning a flying car operation business demonstration in Osaka Prefecture for 2025 and will carry out the following two joint projects with CHODAI CO., LTD. (People, Dreams & Technologies Group) in order to assess the feasibility of operating the business, raise awareness about services available using flying cars, and contribute to improving social acceptance and needs.
| Project 1 | Project 2 |
|---|---|
| Simulating flying car flights using a helicopter: Offering a helicopter trip between Osaka and Wakayama at the expected ticket price for a flying car |
Demonstrating the flight of an actual “HEXA” flying car aircraft with a human pilot Summary |
| Summary 1. Term: 3 months (Oct. to Dec. 2022) 2. Departure: 1. Osaka Heliport 2. Yao Airport 3. Other off-site helipads 3. Destination: Kumano-bettei Nakanoshima 4. Number of flights: 15 round trips (planned) 5. Number of passengers: Up to 75 (Max. 5 per flight) |
Summary 1. Location: Osaka City 2. Date: Feb. 2023 (expected date) 3. Aircraft: “HEXA” (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft by LIFT AIRCRAFT INC, USA Manufactured) |
|
Partners: |
Partners: Sompo Japan Insurance Inc. LIFT AIRCRAFT INC. |
Through the results of these joint demonstration projects, Marubeni will work towards the early realization of an operation business in Osaka Prefecture using the aircraft of its partners, Vertical Aerospace Group Ltd. and LIFT AIRCRAFT INC. Marubeni will also utilize its know-how acquired through its network in the aviation industry and diversified business activities to create a society where air travel is safer and more accessible, while simultaneously contributing to climate change mitigation measures, including low-carbon and decarbonization initiatives.
*Osaka Prefectural Government Website (in Japanese):
https://www.pref.osaka.lg.jp/energy/evtol/hojyokin-soratobu.html