Daibiru Corporation, a subsidiary of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), has announced an investment in AirX Inc., a Tokyo-based developer of air mobility platforms. This move is set to integrate advanced vertical mobility solutions into urban development, not only enhancing the value of Daibiru’s real estate assets but also revolutionizing cargo deliveries alongside passenger transport.
AirX, led by Kiwamu Tezuka, has been at the forefront of developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology, with ambitions to commercialize flying car services by 2027. The company envisions a future where air travel is accessible and efficient, reducing travel time significantly compared to ground transportation. By leveraging helicopters and other highly safe air mobility vehicles, AirX’s services could cut travel time to one-fifth and cost to one-tenth of traditional air transport.
While the primary focus has been on passenger mobility, cargo logistics could also see major improvements. The adoption of eVTOL technology has the potential to streamline last-mile deliveries, enhance supply chain efficiency, and improve access to remote areas where conventional logistics face limitations. Given Japan’s urban congestion and growing e-commerce demands, integrating aerial cargo solutions into existing logistics networks could bring transformative changes.
Daibiru’s investment aligns with its vision of next-generation urban development. Instead of traditional real estate expansion centered around public transportation hubs, the company envisions an integrated air-ground-underground infrastructure, where aerial mobility plays a key role in reshaping both passenger and cargo transportation.
The investment decision was made in collaboration with MOL PLUS Co., Ltd., MOL’s corporate venture capital fund, which has been actively identifying innovative projects in logistics and transportation. Takuya Sakamoto, CEO of MOL PLUS, oversaw the evaluation of AirX’s potential before facilitating Daibiru’s entry into the emerging air mobility industry.
With this partnership, Daibiru is positioning itself at the intersection of real estate, urban air mobility, and cargo logistics, preparing for a future where transport extends beyond roads and railways into the skies. As regulatory frameworks and technology evolve, this collaboration marks a significant step towards making aerial mobility a practical solution for both passenger and cargo transport.
