Airbus has partnered with helicopter operator Hiratagakuen to test future eVTOL flight routes and the concept of operations in the Kansai region and beyond. This partnership will support the development of advanced air mobility solutions with CityAirbus NextGen and aid in services ranging from medical, commercial air transport, ecotourism, etc.
Airbus and Hiratagakuen plan to use an H135 helicopter to test advanced navigation and communication technologies for safe operations of eVTOLs in urban environments while simulating CityAirbus NextGen’s flight configuration.
Mitsuhiro Hirata, Vice President, Aviation Operation Division of Hiratagakuen, said: “We are very pleased to conduct a demonstration flight in the Osaka-Kansai region with Airbus for the future of mobility, using the latest H135 helicopter. We have been operating Airbus helicopters for many years and highly appreciate their high safety, performance, operational reliability, and proven after-sales support. We are aware that a revolution in air transportation is now approaching in the Osaka area, and we expect CityAirbus NextGen to play a central role in this revolution.”
Osaka prefecture has selected the partners’ joint project for a demonstration flight scheduled for later this year further leading to a simulation of ideal routes, concepts of operations, and necessary equipment for safe eVTOL flights in the region.
Balkiz Sarihan, Head of UAM Strategy Execution and Partnerships at Airbus, said: “We are honoured to further our long-standing collaboration with Hiratagakuen by working on this exciting journey towards zero emission flights. Their expertise in commercial air transport and air medical services operations makes them an ideal partner for defining the operational framework for advanced air mobility with CityAirbus NextGen in Japan.”
This partnership is an addition to Airbus’ strong regional footprint and growing international network to pioneer the future of mobility. Hiratagakuen is a Kansai based helicopter operator who specialises in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), transportation of personnel, flight training, and maintenance. The company’s current fleet includes 14 H135 and two H145 helicopters.