©︎GMO Internet Group, used with permission
LIFT Aircraft completes Japan’s first manned passenger aircraft eVTOL demonstration
DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby
this week, lift aircraft Manned eVTOL demonstration flight using HEXA aircraft for the first time in Japan. The flight was conducted in collaboration with his LIFT Aircraft partner Marubeni Corporation in developing and promoting his eVTOL market in Japan, with GMO Internet Group also participating.
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The demonstration flight was selected as a candidate for the 2025 Urban Business Creation Flying Car Business Subsidy by Osaka Prefecture, the 2025 International Expo Project of the Japan World Exposition, and the 2025 Expo Demonstration Business Candidate of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. .
The demonstration was held for an audience that included Japan’s aviation authority, the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). HEXA complies with FAA Part 103 for operation in the United States without an aircraft type certificate or pilot’s license, but Japan does not have equivalent regulations. JCAB thoroughly evaluated the aircraft’s safety, test program and flight range before allowing the demonstration to begin.
©︎GMO Internet Group, used with permission
LIFT Aircraft founder and CEO Matt Chasen said: “We are honored that our aircraft was selected as Japan’s first eVTOL aircraft.”
Having formally completed Phase 1 flight testing and rudimentary flight envelope development with the U.S. Air Force, LIFT commenced Alpha Flight, enabling operations by people outside of the flight operations and test teams. Alpha Flight was featured as part of this week’s demonstration. Masatoshi Kumagai of the GMO Internet Group successfully piloted the HEXA, completing three flight patterns after about an hour of training and introduction to the aircraft. With his nine flights completed in Osaka, LIFT and Marubeni will continue their Japan demo tour next week in Niihama and Imabari.
“This is a strong signal to the world, especially to the thousands of people on our waiting list, that they will soon have the opportunity to fly,” Chasen said.
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Ian attended Dominican University in California and graduated with a BA in English in 2019. With his lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and keen interest in technology, he now contributes to his DroneLife as a staff writer.
Miriam McNabb, editor-in-chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of professional drone services marketplace JobForDrones, is a fascinating observer of the emerging drone industry and drone regulatory environment. With her 3,000+ articles focused on the commercial drone space, Miriam is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam holds a degree from the University of Chicago and has over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, email Miriam.
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