Aviation
Airbus partners with Hiratagakuen to test future eVTOL flight routes and concept of operations in the Kansai region
To develop advanced air transportation services in the Kansai area and beyond, Airbus has partnered with Japanese helicopter operator Hiratagakuen.
To develop advanced air transportation services in the Kansai area and beyond, Airbus has partnered with Japanese helicopter operator Hiratagakuen. In order to lead the way for the future of mobility, this is an important addition to the company’s solid regional base and expanding international network.
Airbus and Hiratagakuen will tackle crucial aspects required to launch a commercial transportation service with CityAirbus NextGen. As a major first step, the partners’ joint project to organize a simulation of ideal routes, concepts of operations, and necessary equipment for safe eVTOL flights in the Kansai region, has been selected by the Osaka prefecture, with a demonstration flight scheduled for later this year.
To reach this objective, and with the support of local stakeholders, Airbus and Hiratagakuen Both will use an H135 helicopter to test advanced navigation and communication technologies for safe operations of eVTOLs in urban environments while simulating CityAirbus NextGen’s flight configuration.
In September 2021, Airbus unveiled its eVTOL prototype CityAirbus NextGen, to explore advanced air mobility technologies and bring urban air mobility services to life. The Company just announced the construction of a dedicated center to test the aircraft’s systems in the lead-up to its maiden flight. Airbus is also working closely with industrial and institutional partners to lead the development of urban air mobility ecosystems, as recently announced with ITA Airways in Italy, or through the launch of the Air Mobility Initiative in Germany.
The relationship between Airbus and Japan dates back over 60 years. More than 600 commercial and fixed wing and rotorcraft have so far been delivered to Japanese operators. Airbus leads the Japanese helicopter market with over 50% market share in the civil and parapublic sectors, and over 370 helicopters in service with 100 customers. In Kobe, Airbus’ helicopter facilities offer a strong suite of helicopter products, training services, and turnkey solutions across emergency medical services, law enforcement, electronic news gathering, and part public segments.
