Asia-Pacific AAM Report 1H 2023

JAPAN AAM REPORT FEATURE
autonomous eVTOL OEM among the 56 members on the committee,
EHang will have a pivotal role to play in helping lay the groundwork
for the introduction of a safe and reliable AAM network that will
subsequently result in the seamless integration of eVTOLs in Japan.
Xin Fang, EHang’s COO, acknowledged how important Japan’s position
is as a future eVTOL and AAM hub, pointing out the unwavering
commitment and dedication shown by all parties involved. Considering
the vast amount of investment put in, Xin knows that EHang can play
a leading role in bringing a more sustainable means of air travel to the
technologically-advanced nation and its citizens.
“We devoted ourselves to promoting safe, autonomous, eco-friendly
air traffic solutions worldwide. We also hope to take this opportunity
to implement EHang's urban air mobility solutions in Japan and
assist Japan in establishing an ecosystem for Advanced Air Mobility
(AAM) to allow passenger-grade, safe, autonomous, eco-friendly
aerial vehicles to benefit the general public,” he said.
The Certification Campaign
Obtaining certification from JCAB will be a long, arduous hard-fought
campaign that requires OEMs to show plenty of grit, determination,
persistence, and an almost sensei level of deftness. The hurdles that
have to be cleared will grow in stature and require immense amounts
of funding, representing a whole different battle that needs to be won.
Nonetheless, despite the road to certification being filled with
potential pitfalls, plenty of eVTOL manufacturers have made steady
progress over the past 12 months. SkyDrive, Joby, Volocopter,
Vertical Aerospace, and Wisk are just a few of the OEMs that have
already plotted their flight paths to landing certification. That said,
whether all the companies are able to accomplish this by 2025 is the
billion-dollar question.
It is not just a case of submitting the required paperwork and getting
approval. Flight tests, multiple checks and adjustments, and an
eye-watering amount of funding are needed to earn the right to fly
electric aircraft in Japanese airspace. From there, the next hoop
to jump through is establishing a dedicated flight path, which the
Japanese authorities have to set up.
All in all, it looks as if many eVTOL manufacturers face a long road
ahead that will test their mettle and finances too. It is safe to say
they will need deep pockets if they are to get through the certification
tests and move on to the next stage of operations.
A Breakneck Battle to the Finish
The possibility of eVTOLs soaring above cities was once a scene
straight out of The Jetsons, but it is now on the verge of coming to
fruition in Japan in a couple of years. In fact, the country could well
and truly become a mecca for electric aircraft and AAM, both in Asia
and globally. However, the one perennial question that continues to
linger in everyone’s mind is, which of the OEMs will cruise across
the finish line and stand atop the podium as the inaugural eVTOL
operator in the Land of the Rising Sun and the 2025 World Expo in
Osaka. It is cliché to say, but only time will tell.
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