日本語 
Japan’s government has officially marked eVTOL aircraft as a technology of importance in the new Japan Growth Strategy that has just been approved. This will further help the country develop an advanced air mobility (AAM) industry. The approved Japan Growth Strategy includes eVTOL as one of the 17 Strategic Fields in the aviation and space sector.
The decision is a great step taken by the country in the direction of developing its own aerospace industry. It helps the country get momentum for its companies working on developing eVTOLs, for example, SkyDrive. By marking advanced air mobility as a strategic priority for the nation, the Japanese government aims at strengthening manufacturing, innovation, and creating an ecosystem in the country that would be able to compete in the global market of eVTOLs.
Government Backs Next-Generation Air Mobility
eVTOL technology is recognized as one of the key drivers of future growth in the Japan Growth Strategy. In accordance with the roadmap set forth by the government, the global market of eVTOL aircraft and mobility services will reach around ¥200 trillion in size by 2040 and become one of the most rapidly growing segments within the aerospace industry.
Also Read: SkyDrive Strengthens eVTOL Launch Strategy
In order to benefit from this market growth, the government plans to focus on business model validation, regulatory development, R&D support, certification process, infrastructure development, and international standardization.
In addition, the government intends to boost the development of necessary technologies, including autonomy, range extension, and production infrastructure.
SkyDrive Welcomes the National Strategy
The company welcomed the government cabinet’s announcement as a crucial milestone towards the commercialization of advanced air mobility in Japan.
The company announced that it will intensify its partnership with government ministries, regulators, and other industry players to expedite technological innovation and commercialization efforts. In addition, SkyDrive will keep on developing automated flight technologies, certification, and local production capacities while participating in international eVTOL aircraft standards.
The SkyDrive strategy is perfectly in sync with the government’s plan of making use of Japan’s expertise in compact engineering for developing innovative aircraft suited for short-range urban mobility, regional connectivity, and tourism purposes.
Driving Innovation Across Japan’s Aerospace Industry
It is expected that this move by the government will create more investments in the country’s aerospace and manufacturing industries as well.
As eVTOL programs advance towards their commercialization stages, there will be an increased demand for lightweight composite material, electric power trains, batteries, autonomous aircraft software, navigation based on AI, avionics, sensors, and digital engineering tools.
It will benefit manufacturers, parts makers, semiconductor firms, software companies, robotics companies, and test houses, among others, as they become a part of Japan’s advanced air mobility ecosystem.
It will also create business opportunities for airports, infrastructure builders, and telecommunications companies as vertiports, air traffic management systems, and communication systems will become integral parts of commercial eVTOLs.
Impact on Japan’s Technology Industry
The labeling process aligns well with the general approach of Japan, which consists of incorporating innovative technologies in future mobility solutions.
AI, digital twins, edge computing, high-performance simulation, cybersecurity, and cloud-based fleet management platforms will become some of the technologies that will be essential in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the eVTOL operations. This means that there will be an increased engagement between tech companies that are experts in these fields and aerospace and mobility organizations.
The label also fits into the already existing investments in robotics and autonomous systems, semiconductor production, and smart cities.
In addition, by developing technology locally and standardizing it internationally, the government is positioning Japan as one of the contributors in the international advanced air mobility industry.
Business Opportunities Across Multiple Industries
In addition to aviation, the development of the eVTOL industry is anticipated to bring about new business opportunities in several sectors.
Logistics companies would be able to use eVTOLs for fast cargo transport, whereas health care organizations might apply for air mobility to perform emergency care and transport organs. Tourism companies could develop air tours, whereas urban planners would be able to incorporate vertiports into their smart cities design.
The construction, energy, and telecommunication industries are also likely to get involved in the infrastructure construction that would be necessary for commercial eVTOL flights.
Strengthening Japan’s Global Competitiveness
The inclusion of eVTOLs in the Japan Growth Strategy reflects the government’s vision towards building an internationally competitive advanced air mobility industry through policies, investments, technologies, and collaborations. Through policy initiatives, funding, technological innovations, and public-private partnerships, Japan aspires to build a sustainable ecosystem capable of pioneering the next generation of flight.
In the case of the Japanese technology industry, the Japan Growth Strategy opens up new horizons of innovation for aerospace technology, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, digital technology, and mobility services. With the near-commercial readiness of firms like SkyDrive, the government’s support will facilitate the creation of an emerging high-value industry that will help strengthen the country’s industrial competitiveness.
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