In Japan, Air Taxis Could Lift Off From Highway Rest Stops

Expressway vertiports could offer sightseeing tours, local connectivity, and emergency response capabilities.

Jack Daleo

Friday, April 24, 2026 at 01:30 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

A visualization of SkyDrive’s SD-05 air taxi operating from an expressway rest stop vertiport. [Credit: SkyDrive]

Key Takeaways:

Japanese eVTOL manufacturer SkyDrive is partnering with Nexco West to establish vertiports at expressway rest stops and parking areas, aiming to expand air mobility for tourism, commuting, and emergency services.
This initiative presents an alternative to the U.S. focus on airport/heliport integration, with SkyDrive's smaller aircraft potentially better suited for these non-traditional highway hubs.
Globally, companies are exploring diverse and innovative vertiport solutions, beyond airports, including parking garages, malls, hospitals, and even floating platforms, to accommodate eVTOL operations.

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One of Japan’s leading manufacturers of eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) air taxis is exploring operations out of expressway rest stops and parking areas.

With their ability to take off vertically like a helicopter, eVTOL models do not require a runway, opening up operations beyond traditional airports and heliports. SkyDrive, the developer of a two-passenger air taxi, is working with the West Nippon Expressway Company (Nexco West) to extend air transport to the side of the highway or freeway.