Flying Car at the Osaka Expo: Is It a Helicopter? What’s the difference? How Much Are the Price and Fare?
【この記事にはPRを含む場合があります】
On April 14, 2025, the first flight of the “flying car”, one of the main attractions of “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai (2025 Japan World Exposition),” took place.
The demonstration flight that was actually shown flying in the sky was the single-seat aircraft “Hexa” operated by Marubeni and manufactured by the U.S. company Lift Aircraft.
【#空飛ぶクルマ 大阪万博で初飛行】
▼映像全編はこちらhttps://t.co/4MNsQtx8ji#大阪・関西万博 で14日、丸紅陣営の「空飛ぶクルマ」がデモフライトを行いました。#ミャクミャク カラーの機体が上空で旋回する様子を多くの観客が見守っていました。 pic.twitter.com/9qVJQJ7Oi4
— 日経 写真映像ニュース (@nikkeiphoto) April 14, 2025
The red, white, and blue aircraft inspired by the Expo became a hot topic on TV and social media.
The “flying car” is a next-generation form of transportation that could be used to travel by air. It is already being developed in different parts of the world, and there are rumors that it will be used commercially soon.
This time, we will introduce the “flying car,” one of the highlights of the highly anticipated “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai“.
Osaka Expo’s “Flying Car” = “Helicopter”?
(Source: EXPO2025)
From April 13 to October 13, 2025, “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai (2025 Japan World Exposition)” will be held for 184 days in the Yumeshima district of Osaka City.
One of the main reasons to visit “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai” is the next-generation transportation, the “flying car”.
When people hear “flying car,” they often imagine a typical “car flying through the sky”.
But the official name for a flying car is “electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL)“. It’s better described as “a new type of aircraft” rather than a car.
It looks like a helicopter with “multiple propellers” for arms.
(Source: PR TIMES)
The “flying car” is called an “electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL). It is powered by electricity and can take off and land vertically.
Once it’s used, it could be used as a “leisure vehicle” or “flying taxi,” as well as a “means of transportation useful in medical settings or during disasters”.
It will also make “travel in mountainous areas” easier, so it may contribute to “infrastructure development” as well.
Instead of being called a “flying car” because it looks like a car, it is expected to become “an indispensable means of transportation in our lives, just like cars that drive on land.” That’s why it is called a “flying car.”
Differences Between “Flying Cars” and Helicopters
(Source: EXPO 2025)
“Flying cars” look like helicopters because they can both take off and land vertically. They can take off and land vertically, so they don’t need a runway. This allows them to travel from one place to another, no matter where they are. That makes them a very convenient way to get around.
The main difference between “flying cars” and helicopters is where they get their power.
Flying cars are different from helicopters. Helicopters use “internal combustion engines” that burn fuel to create power. “Flying cars” use “electric power.”
Flying cars are not as powerful as helicopters, but they are quieter and do not emit CO2, which makes them better for the environment.
Additionally, electrification reduces the number of necessary parts, so the “main unit price and maintenance costs” of flying cars can be kept lower, which is another advantage.
In the future, “flying cars” will be able to fly without a driver, which will lead to “lower operating costs.”
“Flying cars” have a lot of advantages, so they are becoming popular as the next generation of transportation.
⚫︎ Not dependent on ground infrastructure
⚫︎ Capable of automatic and unmanned flight in the future
⚫︎ Reduced noise during takeoff, landing, and operation
⚫︎ Lower costs due to electrification
![Osaka Expo Playgrounds and Pavilions for Kids [9 Selections]: How Much is the Child Ticket? Can 3-Year-Olds Enjoy It?](https://minnano-rakuraku.com/contents/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/電力館_2025大阪関西万博パビリオン-300x300.png)
Can you ride in the “flying car” at the Osaka Expo? What are the prices and fareFlying
(Source: EXPO2025)
At “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai (2025 Japan World Exposition),” the “flying car” is on display at the “Mobility Experience” in the northwest area of the venue.
During the Expo, flights were originally planned between two points: the “EXPO Vertiport” and an external port, as well as in the bay area around the venue. At first, visitors could ride, but now only demonstration flights are available. It seems that riding as a passenger will not be possible.
You can watch the demo flights near the “flying car takeoff and landing site” inside the venue. While you can’t ride in one, you should definitely go and see it up close.
You cannot buy a ticket to ride the “flying car“, but you do need an advance reservation to enter the “Flying Car Station“.
Inside the “Flying Car Station,” there is an immersive theater called “Sora Cruise.” There, you can experience next-generation mobility and the future of air travel through an immersive theater experience.
You can also try out the “simulated boarding experience” for the flying car. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance.
Experience “Next-Generation Mobility” at the Expo!
As described, the “flying car,” which has been a major highlight of “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai (2025 Japan World Exposition)”, is not expected to offer demonstration flights for general visitors due to the status of aircraft development and regulatory permissions.
However, you can watch the demonstration flights up close, and you can also enjoy a “simulated boarding experience” at the adjacent “Flying Car Station“. If you’re interested, be sure to visit and see it for yourself.
Please note that you must make an advance reservation to enter the “Flying Car Station.” Be sure to reserve your spot as soon as you know the date you’ll be attending the Expo.
＞ Click here for the official EXPO2025 “Flying Car Operation Day” announcement page
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