ANA and Joby Aviation to Launch Electric 'Air Taxis' in Japan from 2027

ANA and US start-up Joby Aviation plan to launch electric "air taxis" in Japan from 2027, with over 100 five-seater aircraft. The service will revolutionize air mobility and shorten trips between Tokyo and Narita airports from an hour or longer to around 15 minutes. The project aims to make the service affordable for the general public. ANA and Joby will demonstrate the vehicles at the Osaka Expo in October.

ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation have announced a significant expansion of their partnership to introduce electric air taxis in Japan, with the first services expected to commence by 2027. Under the new agreement, the companies aim to deploy over 100 Joby aircraft within a new air taxi ecosystem, starting in Tokyo and eventually expanding to other regions.

The partnership will see ANA and Joby establish a joint venture to develop and deploy the aircraft. The initial focus will be on trips between Tokyo and Narita airports, where the service is expected to significantly reduce travel times from an hour or longer to around 15 minutes. The project aims to make the service affordable for the general public, with ANA emphasizing that the primary goal is to enhance urban mobility and alleviate transportation difficulties.

Joby's electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h), will be the primary vehicle for the service. The aircraft is capable of vertical takeoff and landing, transitioning to wingborne flight, and offers minimal acoustic impact and zero operating emissions, making it ideal for urban environments.

The partnership also includes plans to accelerate the development of the necessary ecosystem for successful implementation. This includes the establishment of a vertiport network, pilot training programs, and aircraft maintenance support. Further collaboration with national and local governments, as well as private sector companies like Toyota Motor Corporation, is expected to facilitate these efforts.

ANA and Joby will showcase their aircraft through public demonstration flights at the Osaka Expo in October. These flights will provide a glimpse into the future of air mobility in Japan and demonstrate the potential of electric air taxis to revolutionize urban transportation.

This strategic partnership between ANA and Joby represents a significant step forward in the development of air taxi services in Japan. The project aligns with ANA's commitment to innovation and sustainability, while Joby's advanced technology and vision contribute to the shared goal of transforming urban mobility.

References:
[1] https://futuretransport-news.com/ana-holdings-joby-aviation-announce-air-taxi-expansion-for-japan/
[2] https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/electric-air-taxis-could-debut-in-japan-from-2027
[3] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/JOBY/ana-holdings-joby-plan-to-accelerate-air-taxi-deployment-in-japan-b7tefa1xy7nt.html