Joby Aviation and ANA Holdings are set to establish a joint venture to support the deployment of more than 100 electric air taxis across Japan. The service will launch in Tokyo before expanding across the country in phases.

Joby’s eVTOL aircraft is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph. It lifts off vertically like a helicopter and transitions to forward flight like a fixed wing aircraft. The aircraft produces zero operating emissions and minimal noise, making it well suited for urban use cases such as city-centre transfers and airport connections.

“Our expanded partnership with Joby, a company with exceptional technology and vision, represents a pivotal step forward,” says Koji Shibata, president and CEO of ANA Holdings. “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.”

Joby’s founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt adds: “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. Our vision is bold: to build new pathways in the skies and reimagine everyday life. Together with ANA, we're setting a foundation to do just that, to deliver Joby aircraft and build an entire air transport ecosystem woven into Japan's vibrant cities.”

The partnership between ANA and Joby dates back to 2022, when the two first committed to introducing aerial ridesharing in Japan. The initial concept was to connect locations such as Osaka station and Kansai International airport in under 15 minutes. They were subsequently selected to operate demonstration flights during Expo 2025 Osaka as part of the Smart Mobility section of the event. The aircraft is the first foreign-built eVTOL to apply for type certification in Japan.

Alongside the deployment of aircraft, the companies plan to develop the wider ecosystem including vertiports, pilot training programmes and maintenance networks. Toyota Motor Corporation, already a key investor in Joby, is also a named partner.

From 1 to 13 October 2025, ANA and Joby will conduct public demonstration flights at the Expo venue in Osaka. The aircraft will carry ANA livery and perform piloted operations including vertical takeoffs, wingborne flight and landings. Further details of the flight schedule are to follow.