AutoFlight, a leading innovator in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology, has marked a significant milestone with its first successful flight in Japan.
On November 29, the company’s two-ton eVTOL aircraft completed its inaugural demonstration flight in Okayama Prefecture.
The eVTOL flight was conducted in collaboration with MASC, a Japanese non-profit organization dedicated to aerospace industry advancement.
The successful demonstration paves the way for future test flights across multiple Japanese cities, accelerating the path toward commercial Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations in Japan.
This initiative aligns with the country’s vision for next-generation urban air transportation.
The Setouchi region, a coastal area along Japan’s Inland Sea, connects three of the country’s main islands: Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.
The region currently faces significant challenges, including aging infrastructure in coastal areas and limited transportation options between the mainland and remote islands.
Through the SCAI28 project, MASC aims to address these challenges by implementing innovative air mobility solutions while fostering local industrial development.
AutoFlight’s eVTOL aircraft features a Lift and Cruise configuration and all-electric propulsion system.
Its vertical take-off and landing capabilities eliminate the need for traditional runways, while its efficient transition to horizontal cruise flight enables extended range operations.
This innovative design achieves an optimal balance of range and efficiency, offering a safe, reliable, and environmentally conscious transportation solution.
This eVTOL model along with the future new model are poised to serve multiple roles in the Setouchi region, from cargo transport to future passenger transport as well as medical assistance and tourism services.
This latest successful flight in Japan further validates AutoFlight’s technical capabilities and global operational expertise. The company remains committed to advancing international cooperation in research and development, airworthiness certification, and practical applications of AAM technology.
