Skyports Infrastructure has deployed its Vertiport Automation System during eVTOL aircraft flight demonstrations conducted over Tokyo Bay by SkyDrive.
The five-day demonstration, held February 24-28, saw remotely piloted flights of SkyDrive’s SD-05 eVTOL aircraft as part of a Tokyo Metropolitan Government program exploring how electric air taxis could integrate into Japan’s transport networks. The project was conducted in partnership with Mitsubishi Estate Co., Kanematsu Corporation, and SkyDrive.
Skyports’ Vertiport Automation System (VAS) provided the technical backbone for ground and flight operations, integrating with SkyDrive’s aircraft to monitor surrounding airspace, manage weather data and situational awareness, allocate landing and take-off slots, and digitally manage ground equipment. Flight data was integrated into the airspace monitoring system to help facilitate the aircraft’s automated control and remote piloting.
Skyports also operated a temporary passenger terminal integrated with VAS, featuring facial recognition check-in, security screening, flight information displays, and boarding procedure guidance, all designed for minimal dwell time.
Yun Yuan Tay, head of APAC at Skyports Infrastructure said, “This public demo of SkyDrive’s eVTOL aircraft, alongside the future vertiport experience, cements Japan’s ambitions when it comes to integrating AAM within the fabric of its urban environments.
“For AAM to be a success it ultimately needs to be safe and efficient and provide a next level passenger experience, and it’s been an honour for Skyports to showcase how our technologies can provide this critical link between the ground and the air.”
