Vertical Aerospace is advancing plans to launch air taxi travel in Japan, an established birthplace of electronic innovation, renowned for its tech-savvy population.
At the Singapore Airshow, on February 4, 2026, electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer Vertical Aerospace announced that, in partnership with Marubeni, it was laying the blueprint for the first Japanese air taxi routes.
Marubeni, one of Japan’s largest trading and investment companies, placed a conditional pre-order option of up to 200 Vertical eVTOL aircraft in 2021, following that in 2023 with a commitment to reserve early delivery slots for the first 25 out of 200.
Vertical and Marubeni are looking at the Kansai region to become the flagship flight corridor which would see air taxi journeys between Shodoshima, Awaji Island, Izumisano, Koyasan, Osaka and Kobe.
These routes would see passengers whisked between major urban centers, scenic destinations, major transport hubs and airports in under 25 minutes, as well as providing emergency response coverage in Osaka-Hyogo districts.
As part of Vertical’s strategy to gain certification of its eVTOL aircraft from multiple international regulators, the UK startup has been working closely with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB).
JCAB accepted Vertical’s application into the type validation program in 2023, providing a clear certification roadmap for entry into service.
Vertical is targeting airliner-level safety type certification for its eVTOL ‘Valo’ in 2028 with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which will be followed by JCAB validation.
“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, CEO of Vertical Aerospace. “Our partnership with Marubeni and engagement with JCAB demonstrate our careful, step-by-step approach to developing real-world Valo operations, grounded in safety, certification and public acceptance.”
Vertical and Marubeni are also progressing plans for piloted demonstration flights in the Osaka Bay area in 2026.
“We are pleased to take this next step with Vertical Aerospace as we progress toward demonstration flying in Japan,” said Toru Okazaki, EO of Aerospace & Mobility Division at Marubeni. “By advancing route development in the Kansai region, we see significant opportunities to build the operating infrastructure and ecosystem required to accelerate AAM adoption.”
