Airbus, Hiratagakuen partner to develop AAM services in Japan 

Airbus (Toulouse, France) is partnering with Japanese helicopter operator Hiratagakuen (Osaka) to develop advanced air mobility (AAM) services in the Kansai region and beyond. This is a key addition to the company’s strong regional footprint and growing international network to pioneer the future of mobility.

Through this agreement, Airbus and Hiratagakuen will tackle crucial aspects required to launch a commercial transportation service with CityAirbus NextGen, Airbus’ composites-intensive electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft (see “Read Next”). As a major first step, the partners’ joint project to organize a simulation of ideal routes, concepts of operations and necessary equipment for safe eVTOL flights in the Kansai region, has been selected by the Osaka prefecture, with a demonstration flight scheduled for later in 2022.

With the aim to implement air mobility services beyond urban environments, the joint work of Airbus and Hiratagakuen will support the development of AAM solutions with CityAirbus NextGen, for use cases ranging from air medical services to commercial air transport and ecotourism in a variety of operational contexts. To reach this objective, and with the support of local stakeholders, Airbus and Hiratagakuen will use an H135 helicopter to test advanced navigation and communication technologies for safe operations of eVTOLs in urban environments, while simulating CityAirbus NextGen’s flight configuration.

“We have been operating Airbus helicopters for many years and highly appreciate their high safety, performance, operational reliability and proven after-sales support,” Mitsuhiro Hirata, vice president, Aviation Operation Division of Hiratagakuen, says. “We are aware that a revolution in air transportation is now approaching the Osaka area, and we expect CityAirbus NextGen to play a central role in this revolution.”

Hiratagakuen is a Kansai-based helicopter operator that specializes in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), transportation of personnel, flight training and maintenance. The company’s current fleet includes 14 H135 and two H145 helicopters.

In September 2021, Airbus unveiled its eVTOL prototype CityAirbus NextGen, to explore advanced air mobility technologies and bring urban air mobility (UAM) services to life. The company recently announced the construction of a dedicated center to test the aircraft’s systems in the lead up to its maiden flight. Airbus is also working closely with industrial and institutional partners to lead the development of UAM ecosystems.