AutoFlight And MASC Collaborate To Advance Japan’s Air Mobility Vision

AutoFlight completed Japan’s first eVTOL demonstration flight in Okayama, marking a big step for air mobility. This event, in partnership with MASC, is part of the Setouchi Community AAM Infrastructure 2028 Project. The innovative aircraft offers safe, eco-friendly solutions for cargo, passengers, and medical needs. With successes worldwide, AutoFlight is shaping the future of air transport.

AutoFlight, a pioneer in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology, achieved a significant milestone with its first-ever successful demonstration flight in Japan on 29 November 2024. The event, held in Okayama Prefecture, showcased AutoFlight's advanced two-ton eVTOL aircraft, marking a crucial step in Japan's journey toward implementing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions.

The flight was conducted as part of the Setouchi Community AAM Infrastructure 2028 Project (SCAI28), a collaborative initiative led by the Japanese non-profit organisation MASC, which is committed to advancing the aerospace industry. With full approval from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), this achievement not only highlights AutoFlight’s technical expertise but also reflects Japan’s vision for revolutionising transportation across its regions through cutting-edge air mobility solutions.

Addressing regional transportation challenges

The Setouchi region, which connects the major Japanese islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, faces significant transportation challenges, including ageing infrastructure and limited connectivity between the mainland and remote islands. The SCAI28 project aims to tackle these issues by introducing eVTOL technology, which promises safe, efficient, and sustainable air transportation solutions.

AutoFlight’s eVTOL aircraft, equipped with a Lift and Cruise configuration and an all-electric propulsion system, is designed to provide versatile services ranging from cargo transport to future passenger travel, medical assistance, and tourism operations. Its unique ability to take off and land vertically eliminates the need for traditional runways, while its efficient horizontal cruise capabilities ensure extended range and reliability.

This flight represents the beginning of a series of test flights planned across multiple Japanese cities, paving the way for commercial AAM operations that align with Japan’s next-generation urban mobility aspirations.

Global contributions to advanced air mobility

AutoFlight’s achievements extend beyond Japan. In 2024 alone, the company reached several significant milestones, including cross-city and cross-sea flights in China and a record-breaking 123-kilometre eVTOL flight in Abu Dhabi with half its battery remaining. These accomplishments demonstrate AutoFlight's ability to innovate and operate in diverse geographical and regulatory environments.

In February, AutoFlight completed the first inter-city eVTOL air taxi flight from Shenzhen to Zhuhai, while in August, the company conducted a maiden flight over the Yangtze River, showcasing potential applications in low-altitude travel and sightseeing. Such breakthroughs reinforce AutoFlight’s position as a leader in global AAM development.

A step toward commercial AAM integration

The success of the Japan flight not only validates AutoFlight’s technical prowess but also highlights the transformative potential of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in addressing regional transportation challenges. This milestone demonstrates the growing feasibility of integrating innovative eVTOL solutions into Japan’s infrastructure, paving the way for broader adoption of sustainable and efficient air transport.

The collaboration with MASC underscores the critical role of partnerships in advancing AAM, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of local needs. The Setouchi Community AAM Infrastructure 2028 Project (SCAI28) serves as a blueprint for leveraging AAM technology to overcome logistical hurdles in areas with ageing infrastructure and limited connectivity.

Beyond solving immediate transport challenges, the integration of AAM solutions promises to drive regional economic growth by fostering industrial development, improving accessibility to remote areas, and creating new opportunities in sectors like tourism, healthcare, and logistics. The successful implementation of AAM could also serve as a model for other countries seeking to modernise transportation systems, enhance sustainability, and boost economic resilience.

About AutoFlight

AutoFlight is a global leader in developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, focused on creating safe and reliable air transport solutions. Founded in 2017, the company has been at the forefront of innovation in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), using cutting-edge technology to address transportation challenges worldwide.

The company follows a clear vision of progressing from cargo transport to passenger services, offering solutions for logistics, medical assistance, and tourism. Its aircraft are designed with advanced features, including vertical take-off and landing capabilities, efficient cruise flight, and all-electric propulsion, ensuring environmentally friendly operations.

AutoFlight has achieved several important milestones. Its aircraft have completed over 10,000 transition flights and set a world record for distance covered on a single battery charge (250.3 km). The company also conducted the first inter-city eVTOL taxi flight in 2024 and a long-distance flight of 123 km in the Middle East.

AutoFlight’s commitment to innovation extends to its in-house development of core technologies, ensuring the highest levels of safety and performance. The company’s cargo version of its eVTOL has received the world’s first type certification for ton-class aircraft, and work is ongoing to certify its manned passenger models.