Osaka tests electric flying taxi ahead of World Expo 2025

Urban air mobility (UAM) firm Volocopter has conducted manned flight tests in the Japanese city of Osaka.

The company says the purpose of the week-long demonstration was two-fold: to test aircraft operations under conditions similar to those expected during the World Expo 2025, which will be hosted in Osaka, and to raise awareness of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Japan.

The governor of Osaka Prefecture, the city’s mayor and over 200 local primary and secondary school students witnessed the test flights at the Osaka Heliport.

“I am very happy that I witnessed Volocopter’s test flight up close alongside hundreds of excited students and so close to the site of the 2025 Expo,” said Hirofumi Yoshimura, Governor of Osaka Prefecture.

“I have great expectations for eVTOLs, and with the help of neighbouring prefectures, we will push forward to make the Expo a success to support the future of the industry beyond 2025.”

Volocopter says it “remains committed to flying at this international exhibition with its commercial air taxi, the VoloCity”, though exact details have yet to be revealed.

“As a novel technology, public awareness of eVTOLs and the creation of the UAM ecosystem are where we need to focus for Japan,” said Christian Bauer, Managing Director of Volocopter.

“Volocopter and partners are preparing early for the 2025 Expo to have the advanced know-how to operate our eVTOLs seamlessly when the time comes. ”

The Expo will take place between April and October 2025 under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”.

Organisers expect 28 million visitors from across the globe, with countries showcasing their latest innovations and technology.

New York

Last month, Volocopter and Joby Aviation showcased their electric aircraft in New York City.

The demonstration flights were conducted at a press conference during which the city’s mayor Eric Adams announced the future electrification of two of the three heliports located in Manhattan – the Downtown Manhattan Heliport and East 34^th Street.

Beta Technologies, which is also developing an electric aircraft, showcased its interoperable aircraft charging technology at the event.

“Our vision for the Downtown Manhattan Heliport will create the world’s first heliport with infrastructure for electric-powered aircraft and put this public asset to work for New Yorkers as a hub for sustainable transportation and local deliveries,” said Mayor Adams.

“We will not only put New York City at the cutting edge of sustainable flight technology while addressing a persistent quality-of-life issue with helicopter noise, but also get trucks off the road and make our streets safer.”

Image: Volocopter