Launching the Aviation Innovation Academy 2026: A Step Towards the Future of Japan's Aviation Industry

Aviation Innovation Academy 2026: Shaping the Future of Japan's Aviation Industry

Japan's aviation sector is currently navigating an unprecedented wave of transformation. Having recovered from the pandemic, airlines are rapidly adopting new business models, enhancing digitalization, and addressing sustainability concerns. On the manufacturing side, the focus has shifted towards restructuring supply chains and addressing economic security, while groundbreaking technologies like flying cars and drones, as well as electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft, are being actively pursued. Moreover, various changes are permeating the entire value chain, including finance, airports, and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations.

Around the world, startups and companies from diverse industries are entering the aviation field, accelerating innovations that transcend traditional boundaries. This has ushered Japan's aviation sector into an era where adaptation has become crucial for survival. In this context of intertwined crises and opportunities, it has become essential for mid-career and young professionals within the industry to learn from the past and present, developing a solid foundation of knowledge that allows them to take a holistic and structural view of the industry's future.

Equally important is the capacity to pose critical questions and effectively utilize frameworks that facilitate scenario building and forward-thinking. The Aviation Innovation Academy 2026 offers a unique platform where participants can learn from industry leaders in academia, government, and business. Through collaborative group work and engaging discussions, attendees will conceptualize the next steps for the aviation industry alongside a diverse network of peers.

We invite all who aspire to be the driving force behind industry changes to take this new step with us at the Academy!

Event Overview

- Organizer: Aviation Innovation Promotion Council (AIDA) Website
- Co-host: The University of Tokyo’s Future Vision Research Center
- Support (in application): Japan Economic Research Institute, NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (pending), Deloitte Tohmatsu LLC
- Dates: May to July 2026
- Time: 18:00 – 20:00 (some sessions may run from 13:00 – 18:00, including networking events)
- Capacity: Approximately 30 participants
- Eligibility: Individuals aged 40 or younger engaged in aviation-related work or research; a maximum of two participants per organization. Proxy attendance for certain sessions can be discussed.
- Venue: Deloitte Tohmatsu Innovation Park, Gran Cube, The University of Tokyo Hongo Campus, Nikken Sekkei PYNT Takebashi (Palace Side Building 5F), Co-Creation Park KAWARUBA
- Participation Fee: AIDA members: 50,000 JPY, non-members: 100,000 JPY (Individuals registering as new members will pay the member fee); students: 10,000 JPY (limited to the first five; if exceeded, drawing will occur)
- Registration Link: Sign Up Here

Program Highlights (tentative)

May 8

Positioning of the Academy & Innovation Overview
Shinji Suzuki, AIDA Representative Director & Special Professor, The University of Tokyo's Future Vision Research Center
Academy Orientation and Introduction
Manabu Iwamoto, Research Officer, Development Bank of Japan

May 15

Domestic Passenger Aircraft (MRJ/MSJ)
Kazushi Iwata, Team45 Representative

May 22

Future of Japanese Aircraft Development (tentative)
Global Aircraft Development Frontier
Akitoshi Okuda, President, KOSO Research Co., Ltd.

May 29

Strengthening Industrial Infrastructure & Supply Chain (tentative)
Ongoing coordination

June 5

Narita Airport’s Second Opening Project and Challenges in Innovation
Tatsuya Izumi, Director of Airport Planning, Narita International Airport Corporation