The Ministry of Transport wants to support the practical implementation of flying cars by subsidizing the construction costs of the country’s first vertiports – take-off and landing sites – built by local governments and private companies.
The ministry will cover up to 50% of construction costs, with a maximum of ¥50 million ($313,500) per location. Following the completion and operational testing of these facilities, the Department plans to develop guidelines for the construction of future vertiports as early as the fiscal year beginning April 2026.
The initiative will select four locations through an open application process and will accept submissions until July 12. Eligible entities include municipalities and private companies that will be responsible for establishing, managing and operating the vertiports.
These facilities include take-off and landing areas, taxiways, parking areas, hangars, loading stations and passenger waiting lounges. Construction of these facilities is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, with test flights planned for the following year.
After construction, each vertiport will collect data on the operation and use of its facilities to identify construction challenges and necessary improvements. This data will be reflected in the development of the new guidelines, which will outline the optimal layout of facilities and standards for hangar and passenger lounge sizes.
Flying cars, also called electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOL), offer significant potential for a wide range of applications, including emergency medical transport, travel to remote islands and mountainous areas, and urban taxi services.
Local governments are already working on route maps to facilitate the practical use of flying cars, mapping out potential future routes and operations.
Translated by The Japan Times
