Japan’s First Level 3.5 Drone Flight Over a DID Marks Major Step Toward Urban-Origin Regular Delivery

Aeronext Inc. (Head Office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President & Group CEO: Keisuke Toji; hereinafter “Aeronext”) and NEXT DELIVERY Inc. (head office: Kosuge, Yamanashi Prefecture; Representative Director: Keisuke Toji; hereinafter “NEXT DELIVERY”), conducted Japan’s first Level 3.5^*1 drone flight over a Densely Inhabited District (DID) in Wakayama City on November 4, 2025. The demonstration showcased a realistic model for implementing regular drone delivery originating from urban areas—an essential next step toward solving nationwide logistics challenges.

Level 3.5, newly established by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) in December 2023, relaxes certain ground personnel requirements for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights in uninhabited areas when digital technologies and strict safety measures are in place. Following a recent revision to the Civil Aviation Bureau’s Standard Manual, flights over DIDs became possible with enhanced safety protocols, enabling this first-ever demonstration.

Overview of the Demonstration

The drone departed from Utsunomiya Hospital (within a DID) and delivered medicinal lunchboxes prepared at the hospital to Michinoeki Shikinonosato Park FOOD HUNTER PARK, approximately 4.3 km away. The flight took about 10 minutes and included a 250-meter segment over the DID.

Operations used Aeronext’s logistics drone AirTruck, remotely monitored and controlled by a pilot stationed inside the hospital. After delivering the package via unattended drop-off, the drone returned automatically to the hospital.

To satisfy Level 3.5 safety requirements, Aeronext’s Drone Stand^®*4, equipped with surveillance cameras and alert functions, was installed at the takeoff/landing point.

Significance and Impact

This initiative demonstrates a practical path toward urban–suburban drone delivery, providing a model that can help address issues faced by municipalities nationwide, such as declining transportation capacity and growing “shopping-vulnerable” populations.

A stable drone delivery route from Utsunomiya Hospital could expand from food delivery to rapid transport of medications, blood samples, and other medical supplies, forming a resilient last-mile infrastructure for aging communities.

Aeronext and NEXT DELIVERY will continue working to establish safe, efficient drone-based logistics and contribute to regional revitalization through logistics innovation.

*This demonstration was conducted under NEXT DELIVERY’s selection for the FY2025 Wakayama City Smart City Proof-of-Concept Support Program.

Appendix

*1 Level 3.5
Level 3.5 is a flight category newly established by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) in December 2023 as part of regulatory reform. It applies to beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights over uninhabited areas (Level 3), such as remote islands and mountainous regions. When conditions such as the use of digital technology (e.g., onboard cameras to confirm the presence of pedestrians), possession of a UAS pilot license, and insurance coverage are met, certain ground safety requirements—such as deployment of assistants or warning signs—can be relaxed. Level 3.5 is expected to significantly reduce operational costs and improve efficiency, representing an important step toward the commercialization of drone delivery.

*2 AirTruck Logistics Drone
AirTruck is Japan’s first mass-produced logistics drone, co-developed by Aeronext Inc., a next-generation drone technology startup, and ACSL. It achieves stable flight through Aeronext’s proprietary 4D GRAVITY^® airframe structural design technology.^*3 The loading structure allows cargo to be optimally placed near the aircraft’s ideal center of gravity, maintaining a level cargo position with a top-loading/bottom-release mechanism. Designed specifically for logistics, AirTruck offers user-friendly operation and aerodynamic performance optimized for long-distance, forward-oriented flight—faster, farther, and more stable. AirTruck has one of the highest flight records in Japan, operating in various demonstration areas, and has flown in Mongolia at an altitude of 1,300 m and −15°C (November 2023). Maximum flight distance: 20 km; payload capacity: 5 kg.

*3 4D GRAVITY^® Airframe Structural Design Technology
4D GRAVITY^® is Aeronext’s proprietary airframe structural design technology that optimizes aerodynamic performance by equalizing motor rotation regardless of flight attitude or motion, and by controlling lift, drag, and the center of gravity based on airframe shape and structure. This improves basic drone performance—such as stability, efficiency, and maneuverability—and enhances the transport capability of logistics drones. Aeronext manages this patented technology as part of its 4D GRAVITY^® Patent Portfolio. By elevating fundamental performance, 4D GRAVITY^® also expands the potential applications and markets for industrial drones.

*4 Aeronext’s Drone Stand^®
Aeronext’s Drone Stand^® is designed as ground safety management infrastructure for takeoff and landing sites where there is a risk of third-party intrusion. It features surveillance capabilities via camera (linked with the remote pilot) to confirm safety before takeoff and landing, as well as an announcement function to ensure safety when the drone ascends or descends. It also supports confirmation and recording of unattended delivery receipt.

【About Aeronext Inc.】
Aeronext’s mission is “Building a new social infrastructure for the 100-year life era, ensuring prosperity reaches every corner of society.” The company pioneers new value creation using low-altitude airspace. Aeronext provides 4D GRAVITY^®—its proprietary airframe structural design technology that optimizes gravity and aerodynamic characteristics to enhance basic industrial drone performance and improve logistics drone transport capabilities—through its technology licensing business and joint development projects.

Through its strategic subsidiary NEXT DELIVERY Inc., Aeronext also promotes SkyHub®, a next-generation smart logistics platform integrating existing ground logistics and drone delivery, as well as a drone operation business led by one of Japan’s most experienced professional teams. SkyHub® is already socially implemented across multiple regions in Japan, helping solve local logistics challenges.
*Company profile: https://aeronext.co.jp/company/

【About NEXT DELIVERY Inc.】
NEXT DELIVERY is Aeronext’s strategic subsidiary established in 2021 in Kosuge Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, based on the group mission of “Building a new social infrastructure for the 100-year life era, ensuring prosperity reaches every corner of society.” As the core operator of drone delivery, NEXT DELIVERY plans, operates, and expands SkyHub®, a new smart logistics platform jointly developed by Aeronext and Seino Holdings that integrates existing logistics with drone delivery.

The company also develops, sells, operates, and maintains hardware and software for combined-ground-and-drone logistics. Starting from Kosuge Village, operations now extend to Kamishihoro Town (Hokkaido), Tsuruga City (Fukui), and other regions to improve logistics efficiency and solve community challenges.
*Company profile: https://aeronext.co.jp/company/

*Aeronext and the Aeronext logo, NEXT DELIVERY, “4D GRAVITY^®“, and “SkyHub^®” are trademarks of Aeronext Inc.
*Other company and product names mentioned in this press release are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.