ANA Holdings, the largest airline group holding company in Japan, has announced plans with Joby Aviation to expand their partnership, aiming to deploy more than 100 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for air taxi services across Japan. The initiative is designed to establish a comprehensive air taxi ecosystem beginning in Tokyo and expanding through a phased rollout over the coming years, according to both companies.

Joby Aviation’s eVTOL aircraft features fully electric propulsion with zero operating emissions and minimal acoustic impact. The vehicle operates as a piloted aircraft carrying up to four passengers, capable of vertical takeoff and landing like a helicopter and transitioning to winged, forward flight. Joby reports the aircraft can reach speeds up to 200 mph (320 km/h), positioning it as a potential solution for reducing ground transportation times and alleviating congestion in dense urban environments.

The companies state that their joint venture will develop several components needed for a viable air taxi operation in Japan. This includes establishing a network of vertiports, implementing pilot training programs, and designing maintenance systems for the new aircraft. ANA Holdings and Joby also note they will collaborate with national and local governments, as well as private sector partners, such as Toyota Motor Corporation.

Joby has scheduled public demonstration flights with its eVTOL aircraft in a special ANA livery at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. These demonstrations, running from October 1 to 13, will include piloted operations showcasing vertical takeoff, transition to wingborne flight, and landing at the expo venue in Osaka City. Further operational details are pending closer to the event date.

Source: ANA Holdings