Griffon Marine Ltd was honoured to attend the official Opening Ceremony on Saturday 19 July 2025 to celebrate the launch of Japan’s newest scheduled passenger hovercraft service, operated by OITA DAIICHI HOVERCRAFT Co., Ltd. The service, which resumes a long-dormant route between Oita Airport and Oita City, is set to begin full operations on Saturday 26 July.

The new route, one of only two scheduled passenger hovercraft services in the world, dramatically reduces travel time across Beppu Bay—cutting the journey from an hour by bus to just 30 minutes. The service is expected to carry between 300,000 and 400,000 passengers annually and generate a significant economic uplift for the region.

Griffon Marine is proud to have supplied its cutting-edge Griffon 12000TD hovercraft for this landmark project. Designed for efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort, the Griffon 12000TD is capable of carrying approximately 80 passengers at speeds of up to 45 knots, making it the ideal solution for fast, coastal transport in challenging marine environments.

Mark Downer, CEO of Griffon Marine, and Chief Pilot Ben Avery represented the company at the opening event in Oita Prefecture.

Mark Downer, CEO of Griffon Marine Ltd, said:
“We are incredibly proud to see the Griffon 12000TD playing a key role in the return of hovercraft passenger services to Oita Prefecture. This project is not only a technical achievement, but a testament to international collaboration and the enduring value of hovercraft in modern transport infrastructure. We’re grateful to the Oita Daiichi Hover Drive team for their warm welcome and congratulate them on delivering such an impressive service.”

Griffon Marine Ltd continues to lead innovation in hovercraft design and deployment, working with global partners to bring reliable and sustainable amphibious transport solutions to communities worldwide.