Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Skyports partners with Kanematsu to launch commercial AAM operations in Japan

Aerospace

Skyports partners with Kanematsu to launch commercial AAM operations in Japan

London based Skyports and Japanese trading company Kanematsu Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand their collaboration and enable advanced air mobility (AAM) in Japan, by working together to facilitate the deployment and operation of permanent and sustainable passengers and cargo AAM transport solutions.

Image courtesy Skyports

Beginning their collaboration in 2020 with a focus on vertiport infrastructure and engaging in joint research as well as providing a platform for discussions with local public and private stakeholders, in April 2021 the agreement has been extended to include the drone delivery market.

Advertisement
ODU RT

A picture containing sky, road, plane, outdoor Description automatically generated  A picture containing grass, outdoor, field, aircraft Description automatically generated

Duncan Walker, chief executive officer at Skyports, said: “Establishing a presence in new markets, especially in an emerging industry, requires considerable expertise, as well as detailed understanding of local regulatory and political frameworks. Working with partners such as Kanematsu, we have a world-class, local presence which will do much to support our first steps to success in Japan. Kanematsu shares our aspiration of unlocking the sky for advanced air mobility, and this collaboration brings us one considerable step closer to launching successful commercial AAM operations in the region.”

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

Yoshiya Miyabe, Senior Managing Executive Officer, Chief Officer, Motor Vehicles & Aerospace Division, at Kanematsu, said: “We are excited to have a strong partnership with Skyports, the world leader in ground infrastructure solutions for AAM and drone delivery. We see a huge opportunity for AAM and drone delivery to benefit the future of transportation for both people and goods. It is our greatest pleasure to team up with Skyports. Together we will bring forth innovations in aviation and help to revolutionise air mobility and transport logistics to benefit people’s lives, communities and countries’ economies, in an environmentally sustainable and responsible manner.

Based in London, United Kingdom, Skyports is a leading enabler of advanced air mobility (AAM) and has projects operating in multiple continents, including in Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and Africa.

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
MTC accelerates strategic vision with non-exec appointments

Aerospace

MTC accelerates strategic vision with non-exec appointments

7 January 2026

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has appointed Natascha Engel, Professor Paul Monks CB and Professor Rachel O’Reilly MBE as non-executive directors to its board, strengthening its commitment to deliver the UK’s industrial strategy and drive innovation in advanced manufacturing.

Norton Rose Fulbright expands global aviation offering

Aerospace

Norton Rose Fulbright expands global aviation offering

7 January 2026

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has further strengthened its global aviation practice with the appointment of aviation finance partner Leo Fattorini as its Head of Aircraft Finance, Asia and the Middle East, based in Singapore.

IFS to acquire Softeon

Aerospace Defence Security

IFS to acquire Softeon

6 January 2026

IFS today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Softeon, a provider of cloud-native Warehouse Management, Warehouse Execution and Distributed Order Management solutions.

Luton Airport and University of Beds sign AI partnership

Aerospace

Luton Airport and University of Beds sign AI partnership

6 January 2026

London Luton Airport (LLA) and the University of Bedfordshire have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration.

Advertisement
ODU RT
STARLUX takes delivery of first Airbus A350-1000

Aerospace

STARLUX takes delivery of first Airbus A350-1000

6 January 2026

STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has taken delivery of its first of 18 A350-1000s, becoming the 11th global operator of the largest version of the A350.

Cranfield University

Aerospace

Cranfield University's NFLC secures Reach for the Sky funding

5 January 2026

Cranfield University’s National Flying Laboratory Centre (NFLC) has been successful in a bid for funding from the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund, a UK government led initiative aimed at encouraging young people into careers in the aviation sector.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
General Atomics LB