The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has launched the Flying Car Implementation Project, which aims to deploy flying cars in urban areas by 2030, and has selected the operators to carry out the first phase of the project, which will run from 2025 to 2027. The initiative will steadily advance the implementation of flying cars while further strengthening public-private collaboration, with the aim of realising a “revolution in air mobility” that will contribute to the lives of Tokyo residents.
In 2024, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government established the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Public-Private Council for the Realisation of an Air Mobility Revolution with the aim of developing take-off and landing pads within the city and creating flying car use examples. The council has since been promoting concrete and practical discussions and activities under public-private partnerships.
In the first phase (2025-2027) of the newly launched urban air mobility (UAM) implementation project, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will work with businesses to carry out desktop studies, demonstration flights and pre-social implementation projects. The project will then develop into a private-sector-led project, with the aim of achieving commercial operations in urban areas by 2030.
This first phase will see the development of the operating environment (securing and developing take-off and landing sites and bases, adjusting control and communication systems, etc.). Operational support will be provided along with evaluation and verification efforts, with the goal of creating a situation where businesses can quickly develop their UAM service after the project is completed. To achieve this goal, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will provide financial support as well as support for businesses in coordinating with related parties.
The project was launched through a public call for proposals, which were then reviewed by external experts and two consortiums were selected to implement the project. According to Tokyo Metropolitan Government documents, one consortium will be led by Japan Airlines Co., Ltd., which will work with Archer Aviation using the Midnight eVTOL. The second consortium, led by Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., will use Joby Aviation’s S4 and SkyDrive’s SD-05 aircraft.
The initial project goal is the realisation of operational services in waterfront and river areas. Further announcements will be made when specific details and locations have been finalised.
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