– Sojitz Executes Strategic Investment via Pegasus-Managed CVC Fund and Successfully Forms a Business Alliance with BETA Technologies –

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Joint Implementation of a Next-Generation Air Mobility Market Development Project

 

＜Overview＞

In 2022, Sojitz Corporation, a major Japanese general trading company, formed a strategic partnership with U.S.-based aerospace startup BETA Technologies to co-develop a next-generation air mobility ecosystem. The project aims to realize a new mode of sustainable aerial transportation using electric aircraft and supporting infrastructure, with a particular focus on deployment within Japan.

BETA Technologies, headquartered in Vermont, is a unicorn startup developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) and electric conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) aircraft. The company’s electric aviation technologies are designed for a wide range of applications, including cargo delivery, medical transport, passenger travel, and defense operations. Its aircraft are known for being environmentally friendly, cost-efficient, and aligned with future-focused transportation goals.

​Sojitz has been expanding its commitment to sustainable innovation across multiple industries. In 2019, the company partnered with Pegasus Tech Ventures to establish a corporate venture capital fund aimed at identifying and supporting promising startups worldwide. Through this fund, BETA was introduced to Sojitz in 2022, leading to a strategic investment and the initiation of a joint project focused on developing the eVTOL market in Japan.

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＜Challenges and Solutions＞

Urban traffic congestion, the rise in carbon emissions, and the depopulation of rural areas are critical transportation challenges in Japan. As public transport options shrink in remote and aging communities, residents face growing difficulty in accessing essential services and participating in social activities. Meanwhile, underutilized regional airports present untapped potential for revitalization.

Globally, decarbonization of the aviation sector is a pressing issue, particularly as the world aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. However, transitioning away from fossil-based jet fuels toward clean energy aviation requires substantial technological and regulatory innovation.

To tackle these challenges, Sojitz and BETA Technologies launched a cooperative project to deploy electric aircraft in Japan. Their shared vision includes not only cargo transport but also eventual passenger services enabled by BETA’s advanced eVTOL aircraft.

As an initial step, a demonstration project was conducted at Kitakyushu Airport in collaboration with Yamato Holdings and the city of Kitakyushu. The trial involved BETA’s ALIA CTOL (conventional takeoff and landing) aircraft and focused on evaluating cost-efficiency, operational feasibility, and supporting infrastructure such as charging systems.

Sojitz played a central coordinating role, while BETA provided aircraft and technical input. Yamato Holdings contributed expertise on cargo logistics operations, and Kitakyushu City facilitated infrastructure development and regulatory coordination. The project leveraged each participant’s strengths to simulate real-world logistics scenarios.[RI1] 

The demonstration allowed Sojitz and BETA to validate the technological and logistical feasibility of electric aircraft for cargo use in Japan. Data from the trial is now being used to plan next steps, including further technical development, range expansion, and improved charging efficiency.

The initiative represents a major milestone in establishing Japan’s advanced air mobility (AAM) market. By combining BETA’s pioneering electric aircraft technology with Sojitz’s industrial network and regional expertise, the partnership paves the way for broader adoption of sustainable aviation solutions in both urban and rural regions.

The project also aligns with Japan’s broader efforts to decarbonize its transportation systems and revitalize regional economies through infrastructure innovation and smart mobility.

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​                      In-development eVTOL; ALIA-250. Picture by BETA                       Flight Test of ALIA-250 in the U.S. Picture by BETA

​Source: Sojitz Official Website

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＜References＞

• 1. Sojitz Official Website: “Agreement on Joint Verification for Cargo Transport Using Electric Aircraft at Kitakyushu Airport”

  2. Sojitz News: “Sojitz Partners with BETA Technologies to Build a Next-Generation Air Mobility (AAM) Market in Japan”

  3. METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry): “Sojitz Corporation’s Initiative Toward Building the eVTOL Market”

  4. Logistics Weekly: “Yamato Holdings and BETA Technologies Agree on Electric Aircraft Demonstration”