Shanghai AutoFlight has taken its first successful flight in Japan. On 29 November, its two-ton eVTOL aircraft completed an inaugural demonstration in Okayama Prefecture.

The flight was conducted in partnership with MASC, a Japanese non-profit organisation dedicated to aerospace industry innovation, with approval from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). The successful demonstration has paved the way for further test flights in different Japanese cities. The initiative represents a step forward in MASC’s Setouchi Community AAM Infrastructure 2028 Project (SCAI28).

The Setouchi region, a vital coastal area along Japan’s Inland Sea, connects three of the country’s main islands: Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. The region currently faces significant challenges, including ageing infrastructure in coastal areas and limited transportation options between the mainland and remote islands. Through the SCAI28 project, MASC aims to address these challenges, implementing innovative air mobility solutions while fostering local industrial development.

AutoFlight’s advanced eVTOL aircraft features a Lift and Cruise configuration and all-electric propulsion system. Its vertical take off and landing capabilities eliminate the need for traditional runways, while its efficient transition to horizontal cruise flight allows for long-range operations. Its innovative design balances range and efficiency, offering a safe, reliable and environmentally conscious transport solution.

As countries worldwide race to implement AAM solutions, eVTOL technology has emerged as a key enabler. The industry is advancing through demonstration flights in diverse scenarios, while simultaneously developing essential infrastructure including vertiports, digital management platforms and regulatory frameworks.

Already in 2024, AutoFlight has successfully completed cross-city and cross-sea flights in the Pearl River Delta from Shenzhen to Zhuhai and a cross-river flight in the Yangtze River Delta region near Nanjing. In May, the eVTOL achieved a significant 123km flight in Abu Dhabi with half of its battery level remaining when it landed.

This latest flight further validates AutoFlight’s technical capabilities and global operational expertise; the company remains committed to advancing international cooperation in research and development, airworthiness certification and practical applications of AAM technology.