The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition has selected Joby Aviation and ANA Holdings to operate demonstration flights during the Expo 2025 Osaka in Kansai. The two companies first announced they were partnering in February 2022, and will work together to develop plans for flight connections between the Expo venue and at least one other location in Osaka. Joby's eVTOL aircraft could make the 31 mile journey from Osaka station to Kansai International airport in less than 15 minutes. It takes one hour by car.

Joby founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt says: “This is a truly unique opportunity to introduce our aircraft to the world, and we're proud to be working alongside ANA to demonstrate what this technology can deliver. The World Expo has long been the home of radical transportation innovation, and we're pleased to be playing a leading role in continuing that trend.”

ANAHD and Joby have been working together for over a year on establishing air taxi operations in Japan, collaborating on all aspects of this revolutionary form of transportation, including infrastructure development, pilot training, flight operations, public acceptance and the regulatory requirements to operate.

In October 2022, Joby became the first foreign air taxi manufacturer to formally apply for its aircraft design to be certified for use in Japan. The demonstration flights will form part of the Expo's smart mobility section and introduce this new form of transportation to the 28 million guests expected to visit the Expo between April and October 2025.

ANA CEO Koji Shibata says: “The Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai provides ANA with a global stage to demonstrate what our partnership with Joby can deliver. As Japan's largest airline, with 70 years of experience delivering safe and reliable flights to customers, being selected for this prestigious opportunity underscores our dedication to bringing together innovation and operational experience to showcase this revolutionary new service.”

California-based eVTOL developer Joby Aviation plans to begin delivering commercial passenger services in 2025. The company has completed more than 1,000 test flights since its establishment in 2009 and is also partnered with Toyota Motor Corporation.