Japan to launch 100 'aerial vehicles' for transportation services starting from 2027
In a groundbreaking development, Japanese airline holding company All Nippon Airways (ANA) and American-based Joby Aviation have formed a joint venture to launch electric air taxi services across Japan. The partnership aims to start with a phased rollout in Tokyo, with plans to expand to other major cities like Kansai and Chubu in the coming years.
The service, set to debut with over 100 Joby's five-seat, zero-emission eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft, promises to revolutionize air mobility in Japan. The initial focus will be on trips between Narita and Haneda airports and Tokyo, significantly reducing travel time between these locations from an hour or more to almost 15 minutes.
Joby's aircraft, which lift off like a helicopter and transition to flying forward like a plane, offer minimal acoustic impact and zero operating emissions. This makes them an attractive solution for urban transportation challenges, particularly in densely populated areas like Tokyo.
The joint venture is collaborating with government and private partners, including Toyota, to build vertiports, train pilots, and ensure maintenance under ANA’s safety standards. The partnership plans to have electric "air taxis" in service as early as 2027, with public demonstration flights scheduled to take place at Expo 2025 Osaka from October 1 to 13, 2025.
CEO and President of ANA Holdings, Mr. Koji Shibata, expressed his excitement about the project, stating that flying taxis will revolutionize air mobility. JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, described Japan as an "extraordinary launchpad for redefining the future of air mobility."
The project's vision is to create an integrated aerial mobility network addressing urban transportation challenges nationwide, beginning with Tokyo and expanding in phases across Japan. ANA's spokesperson mentioned that price details have not been disclosed yet, but the company aims to make the service as affordable as possible.
In conclusion, Joby Aviation’s electric air taxi services in Tokyo are currently in the demonstration and preparation phase, with service deployment anticipated in 2027 as part of a broader national rollout. The partnership between ANA and Joby promises to redefine air travel in Japan and potentially pave the way for similar services worldwide.
[1] ANA and Joby Aviation to Launch Electric Air Taxi Services in Japan, Joby Aviation, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.jobyaviation.com/news/ana-and-joby-aviation-to-launch-electric-air-taxi-services-in-japan/
[2] Joby Aviation and ANA Holdings Announce Joint Venture to Bring Electric Air Taxis to Japan, ANA Holdings, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.ana.co.jp/group/ir/en/news/2022/06/20220629-1.html
[3] Joby Aviation and ANA Holdings to Bring Electric Air Taxis to Japan, Green Car Congress, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.greencarcongress.com/2022/06/20220629-joby-ana.html
- The collaboration between ANA and Joby Aviation involves Toyota and other partners to build vertiports and ensure maintenance under ANA’s safety standards, with a goal to revolutionize air mobility in the US industry and potentially worldwide.
- As part of the joint venture between ANA and Joby Aviation, the electric air taxi service plans to expand beyond Tokyo to other cities in Japan, making significant improvements in transportation across the country.
- With a phased rollout, Joby Aviation's electric air taxi service aims to transform finance by reducing travel time between major cities in Japan, such as Narita and Haneda airports and Tokyo, and offering competitive pricing to make air travel more affordable for the world.
