The Future of Community and Mobility Week
The Future of Flights Seminar
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The Future of Flights Seminar: a seminar with a panel discussion with the UK and Japanese government and industry speakers to discuss broader topics in the development of the Advanced Air Mobility sector including international cooperation to address shared challenges, inviting UK and Japanese government and industry stakeholders. This will be followed by a reception to facilitate dialogue between the stakeholders of the two countries.
Business Exchange
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | To be determined |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | English |
-
Track Programme
-
Time and
Date of
the event -
-
2025.05.14[Wed]
15:00 ～ 18:00
(Venue Open 14:45)
-
- Venue
- Pavilion
- UK Pavilion
Reports
【Reflection】
The Future of Flights business event, held at the UK Pavilion,
brought together industry leaders and innovators from around
the globe to explore the advancements, challenges, and
opportunities in advanced air mobility (AAM). Key findings
from the discussions highlighted the transformative potential
of technologies such as electric vertical takeoff and landing
(eVTOL) vehicles, hybrid airships, and next-generation drones.
Panelists emphasised the environmental benefits, including
reduced carbon emissions, and the promise these innovations
hold for sustainable travel, medical logistics, and remote
access. The importance of cross-sector collaboration was a
recurring theme, with experts from government, industry,
academia, and local communities agreeing that successful
integration of AAM requires adaptive regulatory frameworks and
cohesive infrastructure development.
The panel featured a distinguished group of speakers
representing a cross-section of expertise within the advanced
air mobility arena. Moderated by Mr. Manabu Iwamoto, Vice
President of the Economic & Industrial Research Department
at the Aerospace Office of the Development Bank of Japan Inc.,
the discussion brought together Professor Sarah Sharples from
the UK Department for Transport (DfT), Mr. George Land, Sales
Director at Hybrid Air Vehicles Ltd, Mr. James Arnold, Head of
Strategy at SkyBridge, and Mr. Furqan, CEO of Sora Aviation.
Each speaker contributed unique perspectives, reflecting their
backgrounds in public policy, commercial strategy,
technological innovation, and industry leadership. Their
insights enriched the conversation with real-world examples
and strategic visions for AAM deployment, demonstrating the
value of cross-border and cross-sector collaboration in
advancing the field.
Beyond technological insights, the event facilitated
strengthened partnerships, particularly between the UK and
Japan, as well as broader international collaborationThe
dialogue at the Pavilion also informed ongoing policy work in
the UK Department for Transport and among international
agencies, infusing renewed momentum into regulatory reform and
infrastructural investment for urban air mobility. Public
engagement was another significant effect, as demonstrations
and media coverage elevated the visibility of UK-based AAM
companies and increased awareness of the sector’s
potential.
The UK Pavilion itself emerged as a hub for innovation and a
showcase for British excellence in aviation. It provided a
platform for open dialogue between regulators, manufacturers,
and end users, helping to bridge the gap between policy and
practice. The event’s design and execution underscored the
country’s strengths in research, entrepreneurship, and
inclusive collaboration. Feedback from attendees revealed that
the Pavilion’s programming and workshops inspired not only
business leaders but also students and early-career
professionals, planting seeds for the next generation of
aerospace talent.
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
The outcome of the meetings at the Future of Flights business
event is likely to drive tangible progress in the advanced air
mobility (AAM) sector. Strengthened partnerships—particularly
between the UK and Japan—may result in joint ventures,
collaborative research, and pilot projects that accelerate the
deployment of new aviation technologies. Cross-sector dialogue
has sown the seeds for adaptive policy frameworks and
infrastructural investment, which are crucial for integrating
innovations like eVTOLs into real-world applications. The
event has also invigorated regulatory reform discussions,
enhancing the probability of harmonized standards and safer,
more sustainable urban air mobility. Increased public
awareness, fostered by demonstrations and media coverage,
could lead to greater societal acceptance and a stronger
talent pipeline.
The Future of Community and Mobility Week
The Future of Flights Seminar
The Future of Flights Seminar: a seminar with a panel discussion with the UK and Japanese government and industry speakers to discuss broader topics in the development of the Advanced Air Mobility sector including international cooperation to address shared challenges, inviting UK and Japanese government and industry stakeholders. This will be followed by a reception to facilitate dialogue between the stakeholders of the two countries.
-
2025.05.14[Wed]
15:00～18:00
(Venue Open 14:45)
- Pavilion
OTHER PROGRAM
The Future of Community and Mobility Week
