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 |
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Track Programme
- Time and
Date of
the event -
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2025.05.14[Wed]
15:00 ～ 18:00
(Venue Open 14:45)
-
- Venue
- Pavilion
- IHG Hospitality Suite (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
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
OTHER PROGRAM
The Future of Community and Mobility Week
