By invitation from the Osaka Prefectural Government and in partnership with Marubeni Corporation and GMO Internet Group, LIFT recently made history by completing the first-ever piloted eVTOL flights in Japan.
LIFT was selected to perform flight demonstrations under the Osaka Prefectural Government’s Subsidy for Urban Business Creation Flying Car Projects and as a Candidate Demonstrator for Expo 2025, a project of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Demonstrations were performed in Osaka, Ehime and Imabari for audiences including the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), members of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Japanese media, and the public.
With Osaka Castle as the backdrop, flights were piloted by both LIFT Chief Pilot, Jace McCown and the CEO of GMO Internet Group, Masatoshi Kumagai. Mr. Kumagai, who is also a licensed helicopter and jet pilot, received training from LIFT and became the first Japanese pilot of an eVTOL aircraft.
LIFT's Inaugural eVTOL Flights Propel Japan's Aviation History
LIFT recently achieved a significant milestone in Japan's aviation history by conducting the inaugural manned eVTOL flights. The Osaka Prefectural Government, in collaboration with Marubeni Corporation and GMO Internet Group, extended their invitation to LIFT. This opportunity arose through LIFT's selection as a flight demonstrator for the Osaka Prefectural Government's Subsidy for Urban Business Creation Flying Car Projects and a candidate for Expo 2025. Demonstrations took place in Osaka, Ehime, and Imabari, showcasing LIFT's capabilities to the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau, Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, local media, and the general public. The flights were piloted by LIFT's Chief Pilot, Jace McCown, and the CEO of GMO Internet Group, Masatoshi Kumagai, who, with training from LIFT, became the first Japanese pilot of an eVTOL aircraft.
