What's the status of the 'flying cars' at ongoing Osaka-Kansai Expo after incident?
Question: I've heard that "flying cars" are one of the major attractions at the ongoing Osaka Expo. What exactly are they?
Answer: These flying vehicles typically carry about one to five passengers and are attracting attention as convenient means of future travel. They include rotary-wing types similar to drones, and fixed-wing types that resemble airplanes. Compared to planes, flying cars feature lower production costs, and they are less noisy than helicopters. Often referred to as an "air mobility revolution," companies both in Japan and abroad are competing to develop them.
Q: Can visitors actually take a ride on one at the Expo?
A: Originally, Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura was eager about offering commercial flying-car rides with fares paid by passengers, connecting locations inside and outside the Expo venue. However, general visitors are not permitted onboard during the Expo. Completing the necessary regulatory and technical procedures by opening day proved too challenging. Instead, demonstration flights were planned by Japanese drone developer SkyDrive Inc., along with trading giant Marubeni Corp. and All Nippon Airways parent ANA Holdings Inc., both of which have partnered with overseas manufacturers.
Q: How exactly do these cars fly?
A: Demonstration flights were conducted at the Expo site on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka's Konohana Ward, where visitors could watch them in action. On April 14, the second day of the Expo, a flight took place with one pilot onboard, hovering slowly about 10 meters above ground for approximately six minutes. However, on April 26 the Marubeni aircraft, made by U.S.-based Lift Aircraft Inc., broke in mid-flight, suffering damage to its frame and one of its 18 propeller motors.
Q: Will we still be able to see flying-car demonstrations at the Expo?
A: Additional demo flights were planned during Japan's Golden Week holidays in early May, plus on weekends afterward. However, the day after the April 26 incident, the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition announced that flights have been suspended for now, pending safety checks. The association said it will announce a date for flight resumptions in due course. Expo organizers must prioritize public safety while continuing to showcase cutting-edge technology.
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