ANA Holdings, Joby Plan to Accelerate Air Taxi Deployment in Japan

ANA Holdings (ANA HD) and Joby Aviation, a company developing electric air taxis, are significantly expanding their partnership to launch air taxi services in Japan. The two companies plan to create a joint venture to deploy over 100 of Joby's electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in a new transportation network, beginning in Tokyo. This collaboration aims to transform urban mobility by offering a fast, clean, and quiet alternative to ground travel, effectively turning hour-long car rides into quick flights.

ANA HD's President and CEO, Koji Shibata, highlighted that this partnership is a critical step toward solving Japan's urban transportation challenges, enhancing regional connectivity, and providing an efficient new travel option. Similarly, Joby's founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, expressed that Japan's innovative spirit makes it an ideal place to redefine air mobility and build new aerial pathways.

Joby's eVTOL aircraft operates like a helicopter for takeoff and landing but flies like a plane, with minimal noise and zero emissions. The aircraft can carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h), making it perfect for congested urban environments.

In addition to deploying the aircraft, the partnership will also focus on developing the necessary infrastructure, including a network of vertiports, pilot training programs, and maintenance support. They will collaborate with national and local governments, as well as private companies like Toyota Motor Corporation, a key investor in Joby. The public will get a first look at the technology through demonstration flights at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, where a Joby aircraft with special ANA livery will perform flights from October 1-13.