Skyports Infrastructure has entered into a strategic agreement with the Oita Prefectural Government to advise on and lay the groundwork for Advanced Air Mobility services targeting commercial operation in approximately 2028.
Formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on September 2nd, 2026, the partnership establishes Skyports as an official consultant to evaluate and implement AAM infrastructure across the prefecture. Under the terms of the agreement, the company will assess potential commercial and societal benefits, identify suitable vertiport locations and flight paths alongside local authorities, and work with electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft manufacturers to support preparations for commercial deployment.
The geography of Oita Prefecture offers a clear practical use case for vertical aviation. Although the region maintains a significant tourism economy, its combination of mountainous terrain, coastal boundaries, and dispersed destinations results in extended transit times via traditional road and rail transport networks. Integrating air mobility into the area’s transit system is expected to convert ground routes taking an hour into direct flights lasting approximately 15 minutes.
The rollout is planned in distinct phases, beginning initially with sightseeing operations over Beppu Bay alongside direct routes connecting Beppu and Yufuin. A second phase will expand coverage across the region, adding connections to Kuju, Kusu, and Hita, as well as linking Oita Airport, Oita City, Beppu, and Yufuin.
Addison Ferrell, Director of Infrastructure at Skyports Infrastructure, said, “Japan is one of the world’s most exciting emerging markets for AAM, and Oita presents a particularly compelling opportunity to demonstrate its real-world value. The prefecture’s geography, strong tourism economy and dispersed destinations make faster, more direct connections a natural fit for AAM. Through this partnership, we’ll bring our global experience in vertiport development and network planning to help Oita Prefectural Government identify where AAM can deliver the greatest benefit, and lay the practical foundations for future commercial services.”
Juichiro Sato, Governor of Oita Prefecture, said, “Oita Prefecture is exploring the potential of Advanced Air Mobility and how it could improve connectivity for residents and visitors across the region. Skyports’ global expertise in vertiport development, network planning and its strong industry network will provide valuable support as we assess future routes, infrastructure and commercial opportunities. We look forward to working closely with Skyports and other industry partners to lay the foundations for future AAM services in Oita.”
Michael Bryce, British Consul General in Osaka, added, “It is fantastic to see a British company bringing its world-leading expertise in AAM to Oita Prefecture. The UK and Japan share a strong commitment to innovation, and partnerships like this demonstrate the opportunities that exist when British expertise is combined with Japan’s ambition for future technologies. We are delighted to see Skyports strengthening its presence in Japan and working directly with Oita Prefectural Government to help turn the potential of AAM into a reality.”
