Tokyo & Santa Cruz, CA – ANA Holdings (ANA HD) and Joby Aviation have announced an ambitious expansion of their partnership to accelerate the launch of electric air taxi services in Japan. The companies plan to establish a joint venture and deploy more than 100 Joby eVTOL aircraft, beginning with a phased rollout in Tokyo.
Koji Shibata, President and CEO of ANA HD, highlighted the significance of the initiative: “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.”
Joby’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are designed for quiet, zero-emission operations, carrying a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 320 km/h. These aircraft aim to slash travel times in congested urban areas, reduce road traffic, and minimise environmental impact.
The collaboration extends beyond aircraft deployment, with ANA HD and Joby working to develop a comprehensive air mobility ecosystem. Plans include vertiport networks, pilot training programmes, and maintenance support, in close cooperation with government bodies and private partners such as Toyota Motor Corporation, a key Joby investor.
The public will have the opportunity to witness Joby’s ANA-liveried eVTOL in action during demonstration flights at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, from 1–13 October. Piloted operations will showcase vertical takeoff, wingborne flight transition, and landing capabilities, offering a glimpse of the future of urban mobility in Japan.
SOURCE AND IMAGE ©: ANA HOLDINGS
