Aircraft carrying Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda fly U.S. and Japanese flags as it arrives at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, April 29, 2012. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
WASHINGTON, Oct 18 (Reuters) – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) agreed to cooperate on advanced air mobility certification and operations, the U.S. regulator said on Tuesday.
The two countries in Tokyo were to sign a declaration of cooperation to support future development and operation of aircraft and formalize ongoing discussions on certification and validation of new aircraft, production, airworthiness, operations and personnel licensing.
The announcement comes as companies around the world race to develop and ultimately win regulatory approval to deploy electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft known as air taxis.
Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com
“The FAA and JCAB have had a long and strong partnership, and that will extend into this new era of aviation,” Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen said in a statement. “Close cooperation with our international partners is essential for success and safety. This may interest you : Politics has not stopped Italian network deal talks – TIM CEO. to integrate these new technologies.”
The announcement follows the FAA’s announced partnerships with the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand in the National Aviation Authorities Network to harmonize certification and integration plans.
The low-altitude eVTOL urban air mobility aircraft have attracted tremendous interest around the world as several eVTOL companies have gone public.
Last week, Delta Air Lines ( DAL.N ) said it invested $60 million in air taxi startup Joby Aviation ( JOBY.N ) for a 2% stake in a partnership that initially plans to offer passengers air taxi transport to and from airports in New York and Los Angeles.
Airlines and others are looking to develop transportation services using battery-powered planes that can take off and land vertically to ferry travelers to airports or on short trips between cities, allowing them to beat traffic.
Joby received its Part 135 Air Carrier Certification from the FAA in May, but before it can begin service, it will need additional regulatory approvals for its eVTOL aircraft, as well as to build airport infrastructure and so-called “Vertiports” in neighborhoods for takeoffs and landings. It hopes to receive approval to begin commercial flights in 2024.
Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com
Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore See the article : China is planning a real estate fund worth up to $44 billion for the struggling sector, a source says.
Our standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
