Marubeni Corporation, which boasts notable investment from renowned financier Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway, holds a considerable stake nearing 8% in the corporate. This alliance marks a major development for each entities, further solidifying Marubeni’s presence in the worldwide market.
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, LIFT Aircraft Inc has gained recognition for its modern HEXA personal aerial vehicle. The corporate’s latest move involves collaborating with Marubeni to introduce the groundbreaking aircraft to the Japanese market. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines their joint efforts, encompassing market research, regulatory negotiations, and even a pre-order option for as much as 100 aircraft, pending approval by the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). The HEXA aircraft, classified as an ultralight vehicle by FAA standards, eliminates the need for a pilot’s license or type certification.
Speaking in regards to the partnership, Matt Chasen, CEO of LIFT Aircraft, expressed enthusiasm, noting, “We’re thrilled to hitch forces with Marubeni Corporation, a distinguished leader in the worldwide market, to appreciate the potential of this technology in Japan and throughout the world.” He underscored Marubeni’s industry expertise, operational prowess, and commitment to advancing the electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) sector, which positions them as an excellent collaborator.
In a major demonstration of their joint capabilities, LIFT and Marubeni orchestrated public flights of the HEXA eVTOL aircraft in Osaka and Ehime, Japan, earlier this 12 months. These flights marked the first-ever piloted eVTOL demonstrations in Japan and gained special recognition as a part of the Osaka Prefectural Government’s Subsidy for Urban Business Creation Flying Automobile Projects. The collaboration also earned a spot as a Candidate Demonstrator for Expo 2025, a significant project led by the Japan Association and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Notably, these demonstrations took place within the absence of an equivalent regulatory framework for eVTOL aircraft in Japan, unlike the FAA’s Part 103 within the U.S. As such, the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) meticulously evaluated the aircraft’s safety and testing program, together with its flight capabilities, before granting permission for the demonstrations.
With Marubeni’s influential backing and LIFT Aircraft’s pioneering technology, this partnership sets the stage for the advancement of eVTOL technology in Japan.
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