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– Exploring business opportunities for air mobility services in Asia using eVTOL technology
Minapim by Hernan Valenzuela: Japan Airlines (JAL) and Sumitomo Corporation signed a cooperation agreement with Bell-Textron Inc. to promote the development of the air mobility industry, including the infrastructure for next generation air transport methods.
As urban areas become highly concentrated, eVTOL technology has attracted global attention in its efforts to develop the highly anticipated flying car concept.
Urban Air Mobility can transport people and goods without the need for a runway and has the potential to operate an ecological service. With this agreement, jointly and collectively, JAL, Sumitomo and Bell will explore business opportunities for air mobility services, implementing Bell’s eVTOL technology in Japan and Asia.
This collaboration will inform the development of an air mobility ecosystem on demand, using Bell’s air mobility solutions, including Bell’s Air Taxi, Nexus 4EX, in Japan.
“We are excited to take this substantial step to bring together an international airline, a major infrastructure provider and a VTOL OEM to work collaboratively in a more connected mobility future,” said Scott Drennan, vice president of innovation at Bell. “Although we are known for our 80 years of creating upright aircraft that move people, goods and data, we also want to help shape the operational infrastructure in which they will live.”
About eVTOL
eVTOL stands for vertical electric takeoff and landing, which is a small aircraft that can take off and land vertically by rotating multiple rotors with an electric motor. It is attracting attention as a means of transport for next-generation urban transport that combines the technology of drones and electric vehicles.
The agreement between the companies:
・ Market research in Japan and Asia for mobility services using eVTOL technology
・ Study the mobility services operation platform, including air taxi service
・ Promote activities to solve problems and carry out eVTOL operation, including safety, noise and social acceptance
・ Approach companies and related organizations to promote air mobility business
The companies participating in the agreement:
JAL aims to develop a state-of-the-art air mobility operation platform service, such as through flying cars, using the knowledge accumulated through a safe aircraft operation experience. In addition, through air mobility services, JAL aims to provide medical assistance in remote areas through eVTOL technology to achieve the main objectives of sustainable development.
Sumitomo Corporation will contribute profoundly to new technological inventions, industrial development and building a next generation mobility society through a global network and diversified business activities based on trusting relationships with customers and partners in various industrial fields.
Bell was founded in 1935 and has been a leader in the vertical lift aircraft industry for more than 80 years. Bell was the first to certify a commercial helicopter and has a brand name widely recognized around the world. Bell remains at the forefront of this quest for air mobility, with a clear mission to find solutions to the infrastructure challenges of tomorrow’s transport networks.
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