Japan To Set Up Office For 'flying Vehicles'
Japan's transport ministry says it will set up an office to integrate work being done on so-called flying vehicles.
The government aims to put next-generation air mobility into practical use in 2023.
Electric-powered flying cars will use technologies associated with drones.
Officials hope the vehicles will improve logistics and reduce traffic. They could also be a way to reach remote islands and sparsely populated areas.
The office is set to open on April 1.
It will study vehicle safety standards and the skills required for pilots.
It will draw up plans to register vehicles and control operations.
Some officials will be based at a test field in Fukushima Prefecture, where they will support test flights and the development of new technologies.