UK-based electric aviation company Vertical Aerospace is accelerating plans to commercialise electric air taxi services in Japan, working with trading and investment group Marubeni to develop future flight routes and prepare for piloted demonstration flights as early as 2026.
The two companies are advancing plans for an advanced air mobility (AAM) network across Japan, beginning with the Kansai region. As part of this effort, Vertical and Marubeni are targeting piloted demonstration flights in the Osaka Bay area next year, marking a key step toward commercial electric air taxi operations in the country.
Vertical said the proposed routes could reduce travel times by up to 80 per cent compared with ground transport, while operating with zero emissions and low noise. One flagship corridor under evaluation in the Kansai region would connect major urban centres with surrounding destinations and transport hubs.
The route development work is focused on several use cases, including premium tourism and major events, airport shuttle services and essential operations such as medical and time-critical logistics. Potential routes under consideration include connections between Osaka and nearby islands such as Awaji Island and Shodoshima, fast links between cities and airports, and emergency response coverage across parts of the Osaka–Hyogo region.
The announcement builds on exposure generated during the 2025 Osaka World Expo, which attracted more than 29 million visitors. During the event, Vertical showcased its Valo electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft through an immersive cabin experience that simulated commercial flight routes across the Kansai region.
Valo is Vertical’s certification aircraft, designed to fly distances of up to 160 kilometres at speeds of up to 240 kilometres per hour. The aircraft is being engineered to meet airliner-level safety standards and produce zero operating emissions. Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant to extend range and broaden mission profiles.
Progress in Japan has been underpinned by regulatory and commercial milestones. The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau accepted Vertical into its type validation programme in 2023, providing a pathway toward certification and entry into service. Vertical is targeting type certification for Valo with the UK Civil Aviation Authority in 2028, followed by validation in Japan.
On the commercial side, Marubeni has made pre-delivery payments to secure early delivery slots for the first 25 aircraft under its conditional pre-order for up to 200 Valo aircraft. The companies are also engaging with regional partners to develop operating infrastructure and aftermarket support capabilities in Japan.
“Japan combines strong regulatory leadership, advanced infrastructure and trusted industrial partners, making it one of the most promising markets globally for advanced air mobility,” said Stuart Simpson, chief executive of Vertical Aerospace. He said the partnership with Marubeni and engagement with Japanese regulators reflect a step-by-step approach focused on safety, certification and public acceptance.
Toru Okazaki, executive officer and chief operating officer of Marubeni’s Aerospace and Mobility Division, said the next phase of collaboration would focus on route development and building the operational ecosystem needed to support electric air taxi services.
The companies said the work in Japan represents a significant move toward integrating electric air taxis into future urban and regional transport networks, aligning with broader smart city and sustainable mobility initiatives.
