Skyports Infrastructure, a specialist in vertiport infrastructure and operations for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Oita Prefectural Government in Japan. The agreement, formalised on 2 September at the prefectural government's head office, appoints Skyports as a consultant for AAM development and implementation, supporting Oita's target of launching commercial operations in approximately 2028.
Key takeaways
- Skyports will assess the societal and commercial benefits of AAM across Oita Prefecture and identify potential routes and vertiport locations, working with local authorities on feasibility.
- The company will advise and collaborate with eVTOL aircraft manufacturers to prepare for future commercial services.
- Oita's mountainous terrain, extensive coastline and dispersed destinations make road and rail journeys lengthy; AAM could cut hour-long ground trips to roughly 15-minute flights.
- Initial service is expected to begin with sightseeing tours of Beppu Bay and Beppu–Yufuin routes, expanding from 2030 to Yufuin, Kuju, Kusu, Hita, Oita City and Oita Airport connections.
For manufacturing and automation planners, the programme signals early demand for vertiport ground infrastructure, aircraft handling systems and network operations tooling. Skyports' director of infrastructure, Addison Ferrell, cited Japan as an emerging AAM market and Oita's geography and tourism economy as a strong fit. Oita governor Juichiro Sato highlighted Skyports' vertiport and network-planning expertise, while British Consul General in Osaka Michael Bryce noted the UK-Japan innovation partnership behind the deal.
Source: Robotics & Automation News · Published 2026-09-09T11:03:43 · “Skyports partners with Oita government in Japan to advance advanced air mobility in region”