(JAPAN) ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation have announced a major step forward in urban air travel, confirming plans to launch more than 100 electric air taxis across Japan starting in 2025. This move, beginning with demonstration flights at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, marks a new era for city transportation and positions Japan as a global leader in electric air taxi services.
The partnership between ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation will introduce the Joby S4 eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft to Japan’s skies. These electric air taxis are designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers, reach speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h), and operate quietly with zero emissions. The first public demonstration flights will take place from October 1 to 13, 2025, at EXPO 2025 in Osaka, giving the public a firsthand look at this new technology.
Key Developments and Timeline
- Joint Venture Formation: In early August 2025, ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation created a new joint venture to deploy the Joby S4 eVTOL aircraft in Japan. This partnership aims to roll out more than 100 electric air taxis, starting in Tokyo and expanding to other major cities.
- Demonstration Flights: The first public flights will happen at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. These flights will show how the aircraft can take off vertically, switch to flying like a plane, and land safely, all within a special area in western Osaka City.
- Commercial Launch: After the demonstration phase, full commercial air taxi services are set to begin in Tokyo, with plans to expand nationwide by 2027.
Joint Venture Formation between ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation
First public demonstration flights at EXPO 2025 Osaka
End of demonstration flights at EXPO 2025 Osaka
Full commercial air taxi services set to begin in Tokyo
Expected certification for Joby S4 eVTOL in Japan
Aircraft and Infrastructure
The Joby S4 eVTOL stands out for its speed, quiet operation, and zero emissions. It is well-suited for busy city environments where noise and air pollution are big concerns. The aircraft will help reduce travel times between key locations. For example, a trip from central Tokyo to Narita Airport, which usually takes over an hour by train, could be cut down to about 15 minutes by air taxi.
To support this new service, ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation are working together to build the needed infrastructure. This includes:
- Vertiports: Special landing and takeoff areas for the air taxis.
- Maintenance Hubs: Facilities to keep the aircraft in top condition.
- Pilot Training Programs: Courses to train pilots to fly the new eVTOL aircraft.
- Safety Protocols: Strict rules and checks to ensure passenger safety.
Toyota Motor Corporation is also a key partner, investing over $900 million in Joby Aviation and helping to develop the ecosystem needed for electric air taxis to succeed.
Official Statements and Perspectives
Koji Shibata, President & CEO of ANA Holdings, said, “Our expanded partnership with Joby, a company with exceptional technology and vision, represents a pivotal step forward. Air taxi service will directly contribute to addressing Japan’s urban transportation difficulties, ultimately enhancing regional exchange and providing a new, efficient means of travel. Demonstration flights at the Expo are the first step in addressing that challenge. Alongside our partners, we are dedicated to building this future while adhering to the highest safety standards developed by the ANA Group.”
JoeBen Bevirt, Founder & CEO of Joby Aviation, added, “Where ancient wisdom, legendary craftsmanship and soaring ambition converge—that’s Japan. And that makes it an extraordinary launchpad for redefining the future of air mobility. Together with ANA, we’re setting a foundation to deliver Joby aircraft and build an entire air transport ecosystem woven into Japan’s vibrant cities.”
Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation are working closely with Japan’s national and local governments to make sure the new air taxis meet all safety and regulatory requirements. This includes getting the Joby S4 eVTOL certified by Japanese aviation authorities and developing clear rules for how the aircraft will operate in city airspace.
The electric air taxis are designed to be environmentally friendly. They produce zero emissions and are much quieter than traditional helicopters or airplanes. This supports Japan’s goals for cleaner cities and a better quality of life for residents.
Impact on Communities and Travelers
The introduction of electric air taxis is expected to bring several benefits:
- Faster Travel: Air taxis will make it much quicker to get between city centers, airports, and other key locations.
- Less Traffic: By moving some travel to the air, city streets could become less crowded.
- Cleaner Air: Zero-emission aircraft help reduce pollution in busy urban areas.
- New Jobs: The project will create jobs in pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and vertiport operations.
Industry and Government Support
Aviation experts see the ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation partnership as a model for other countries. The scale of the project, with over 100 aircraft planned, and the strong support from both government and industry partners, set it apart from similar efforts elsewhere. Japanese officials are supportive, viewing electric air taxis as a way to ease city congestion and show off Japan’s technology at EXPO 2025.
Environmental groups also welcome the move, noting that the quiet, zero-emission aircraft fit well with Japan’s climate goals.
Background and Global Context
ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation first teamed up in 2022, with Toyota as a major investor. Since then, the partnership has grown from early studies to a full plan for deploying electric air taxis. This project is now one of the largest of its kind in the world, putting Japan at the front of the race for advanced air mobility, alongside the United States ?? and some European countries.
Looking Ahead
Joby Aviation is working to get full certification for its S4 eVTOL in Japan, with approvals expected in time for the 2027 commercial launch. The Tokyo rollout will serve as a test case for possible expansion to other Asian and global markets. As battery technology and airspace management improve, the service is expected to become even safer and more efficient.
Practical Steps and Resources
If you want to learn more about the upcoming electric air taxi service, you can visit the ANA Holdings official website for updates. For details on the aircraft and technology, check the Joby Aviation official website. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism provides information on aviation regulations and certification in Japan.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation partnership is set to change how people move around Japan’s cities, offering a cleaner, faster, and more efficient way to travel. With strong support from industry, government, and environmental groups, electric air taxis could soon become a regular part of daily life in Japan. For travelers, workers, and city residents, this new service promises to make urban life easier and more connected.
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