LIFT Completes First Piloted eVTOL Demonstrations in Japan

HEXA successfully completed a number of piloted-flight pattern manoeuvres, including vertical flight and circular flight, at the Osaka Castle Baseball Field By Joe Macey / 22 Mar 2023
Follow AAMi

LIFT Aircraft has completed the first-ever piloted eVTOL demonstration flight in Japan with their aircraft, HEXA.

The flights were conducted in partnership with Marubeni Corporation, with whom the Austin, Texas based company is partnering to develop and advance the eVTOL market in Japan, and with participation from GMO Internet Group.

The demonstration was selected for the Osaka Prefectural Government’s FY2022 Subsidy for Urban Business Creation Flying Car Projects and as a Candidate Demonstrator for Expo 2025, a project of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Flights were conducted for audiences that included the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), the aviation authority of Japan. While HEXA conforms to FAA Part 103 and can be flown in the U.S. today without aircraft type certification or a pilot’s license, Japan does not have an equivalent regulation. JCAB carefully reviewed the safety of the aircraft, the extensiveness and maturity of the test program, the flight envelope, and ultimately gave permission for the demonstrations to proceed.

“JCAB was thorough in their review of our safety standards and our aircraft, and gave us the green light to fly,” said Matt Chasen, founder and CEO of LIFT Aircraft. “It’s an honor that our aircraft was selected to be the first eVTOL ever piloted in Japan.”

LIFT has formally concluded Phase 1 flight test and beginner flight envelope development with the US Air Force and has launched Alpha Flights, allowing people outside of their Flight Operations and test teams to fly.

With Osaka Castle as the backdrop, Alpha Flights were included in the demonstrations. After about an hour of training and introduction to the aircraft, Masatoshi Kumagai of GMO Internet Group piloted HEXA, successfully completing three flight patterns. Nine flights were completed in Osaka, and LIFT and Marubeni are continuing their Japan demo tour in Niihama and Imabari.

Chasen added: “This is a strong indication to the world, and especially the thousands on our waitlist, that they will have the opportunity to fly very soon.”

Posted by Joe Macey Edited by Joseph Macey, Editor and Copywriter and experienced journalist with an active interest in advanced air mobility. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

New Joby Facility Boosts eVTOL Manufacturing Scale

Joby expands aircraft production with a new facility in Marina, California, boosting output, job creation, and readiness for commercial eVTOL operations

Jul 17, 2025
Hydrogen Electric Propulsion Considered for Horizon eVTOL Aircraft

Horizon Aircraft and ZeroAvia will explore integrating hydrogen-electric propulsion into the Cavorite X7 eVTOL, aiming to enable clean, efficient regional air mobility

Jul 16, 2025
Vertical Secures $60 Million to Advance eVTOL Development

Vertical Aerospace has completed its public offering, raising $60 million to progress aviation research, development, and testing capabilities

Jul 15, 2025
Partnership to Explore Air Taxi Services in Ajman

Skyports and Ajman Transport Authority will collaborate on smart aerial mobility, exploring air taxi services and infrastructure development

Jul 14, 2025
LYNEports Collaborates to Accelerate Sustainable UAM Solutions Worldwide

LYNEports is partnering with Eyrie Aero and ELSA Industry to accelerate worldwide UAM through AI-driven vertiport planning, green hydrogen integration, and scalable eVTOL infrastructure solutions

Jul 11, 2025
Flying Car Owners to Gain Access to New Pilot Training Program

Samson Sky has revealed plans for a pilot training program for Switchblade Flying Car customers and those who just want to earn their 'wings'

Jul 10, 2025