Vertical Aerospace is laying the blueprint for Japan's first air taxi routes in partnership with Marubeni. The UK startup has partnered with one of Japan's largest trading and investment companies to develop a network of air taxi routes connecting major cities and airports.
The US, UK, and democracies across the Indo-Pacific are rethinking deterrence as China expands its military power. At this year's Shangri-La Dialogue, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that Beijing's actions reveal a lack of respect for neighbors and challenge sovereignty, freedom of navigation, and overflight.
Thousands of travelers were stranded at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido after record-breaking snowfall paralyzed transport across Japan's northern prefecture. Over 2,000 people spent the night at the airport after over 90 flights were canceled due to severe snow conditions.
Pilatus is supporting OpenSky's ambitious vision to develop the Japanese market for private and business travel. The company has partnered with OpenSky to offer fractional ownership of its fleet, allowing individuals and companies to use aircraft for personal travel.
Philippine Airlines has resumed seasonal nonstop flights between Manila and Sapporo, marking the carrier's expansion in Japan's regional network. Operating from November 2025 through March 2026 with three weekly departures on Airbus A321neo aircraft, the service capitalizes on winter tourism demand in Hokkaido.
Japan's Self-Defense Forces carried out joint military drills with the US over the Sea of Japan, deploying US B-52 strategic bombers alongside Japanese fighter aircraft. The exercise took place in response to deteriorating security environment and was conducted as a demonstration of the two allies' determination not to allow unilateral changes to the status quo by force.
Breaking Defense reports that Japan's Liberal Democratic Party has secured a two-thirds supermajority in the House of Representatives, giving Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi unprecedented power to reshape Japan's national trajectory. The move marks a significant shift in Japan's defense priorities and could have far-reaching implications for regional security.
Emirates has announced plans to add a second daily flight from Dubai to Tokyo Narita, starting May 1, 2026. The new service will operate using a retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER and offer passengers more options for multi-destination travel.
ANA Holdings has unveiled its fiscal year 2026 flight schedule, detailing a 5% increase in international capacity alongside new Boeing aircraft deliveries and a reorganization of its cargo network. The plan also includes domestic route adjustments and the integration of recently acquired Nippon Cargo Airlines into the group's operations.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has appointed Juichi Hirasawa as its new CEO and President, succeeding Shinichi Inoue on April 1, 2026. Breaking Defense reports that the airline's short-lived low-cost carrier AirJapan will be folded into the mainline airline in March 2026.
Tokyo-based vertical air mobility company AirX has placed a firm order for two eVTOLs from Eve Air Mobility, with options for up to 48 additional aircraft. The agreement marks a significant step toward advancing sustainable urban air mobility solutions in Japan.