Skyports Advises Oita Prefecture on Drone Air Taxi Network
Skyports Infrastructure has signed a consultancy agreement with Oita Prefectural Government in Japan to plan vertiport locations and routes for an advanced
Skyports Infrastructure has partnered with Japan's Oita Prefectural Government to plan for a future network of electric air taxis. The agreement, formalized by a Memorandum of Understanding signed on September 2, 2026, appoints Skyports as a consultant to lay the groundwork for commercial Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) services targeted for approximately 2028.
According to the source, Skyports will assess the societal and commercial benefits of AAM across the prefecture. The company will identify potential routes and vertiport locations, determining their feasibility in collaboration with local authorities. Skyports will also advise and collaborate with eVTOL aircraft manufacturers to support preparations for future services.
Geography Drives AAM Potential
Oita Prefecture presents a compelling use case for air taxi services. The region has a major tourism economy, but its mountainous terrain, extensive coastline, and dispersed destinations make ground travel between key locations lengthy. A future AAM network could transform connectivity, potentially turning hour-long road or rail journeys into flights of roughly 15 minutes.
Key destinations initially under consideration for connection include Oita Airport, Oita City, Beppu, and Yufuin. The goal is to provide faster, more direct links for both residents and visitors.
Planned Route Phases
The initial commercial service is anticipated to begin with sightseeing tours over Beppu Bay and routes connecting Beppu and Yufuin. A planned expansion from 2030 would widen the service area significantly.
| Phase | Target Start | Planned Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial | ~2028 | Sightseeing tours of Beppu Bay; Beppu to Yufuin |
| Expansion | From 2030 | Yufuin to Kuju, Kusu, and Hita; Oita City to Beppu/Yufuin; Oita Airport to Beppu/Oita City |
Leadership Perspectives
Addison Ferrell, Director of Infrastructure at Skyports Infrastructure, stated that Japan is one of the world's most exciting emerging markets for AAM. "The prefecture's geography, strong tourism economy and dispersed destinations make faster, more direct connections a natural fit for AAM," Ferrell said.
Oita Governor Juichiro Sato noted the prefecture is exploring how AAM could improve regional connectivity. He stated that Skyports' global expertise in vertiport development and network planning would provide valuable support in assessing future routes and infrastructure.
Michael Bryce, the British Consul General in Osaka, welcomed the partnership as an example of British expertise combining with Japan's technological ambition. The collaboration aims to turn the potential of AAM into a practical reality for Oita.
