In a bold step toward advancing Urban Air Mobility (UAM) infrastructure, Osaka Metro Co., Ltd. has revealed plans for the OSAKAKO Vertiport, a dedicated eVTOL takeoff and landing hub near the iconic Osaka Bay waterfront. Scheduled to be operational ahead of the Osaka-Kansai Japan Expo 2025, this facility is more than a temporary Expo installation; it’s a calculated pilot project signaling Japan’s intent to fold UAM into its future transport ecosystem.
Advanced Air Mobility AAM
EHang recently celebrated a significant milestone as the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) granted Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) to EHang General Aviation and Heyi Aviation for the EH216-S eVTOL. According to coverage by China eVTOL News, this marks the first time a pilotless, passenger-carrying aerial vehicle has received regulatory approval for commercial operations. It highlights an ongoing shift in how authorities view short-hop electric aircraft and their potential to offer low-altitude tourism, sightseeing excursions, and other services in cities like Guangzhou and Hefei.
XTI Aerospace has steadily drawn interest from the aviation community through its efforts to bring a new era of vertical takeoff and landing to business and regional travel. In a key milestone, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has formally accepted XTI’s application for type certification of its TriFan 600 aircraft. This acceptance signals that the path toward commercial approval is underway.
Electra.aero has secured 2,200 pre-orders for its innovative EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft, valued at nearly $9 billion. This development positions Electra with one of the largest order pipelines in the emerging AAM sector, demonstrating substantial market confidence in their creative approach to regional air transportation. The company's technology combines blown lift aerodynamics with hybrid-electric propulsion to create an aircraft capable of taking off and landing in extremely short distances. This could significantly transform how people and cargo are transported between locations currently underserved by traditional aviation.
The aviation industry is rapidly evolving beyond traditional transportation paradigms, with multi-modal integration emerging as a key strategy for enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability. This shift presents challenges and opportunities for business aviation professionals to reimagine how private air travel fits into the broader transportation ecosystem. The partnership between Delta Air Lines and Joby Aviation offers valuable insights for business aviation operators seeking to position themselves advantageously in this changing landscape.