ANA Holdings (ANA HD) and Joby Aviation have announced a major expansion of their strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the deployment of electric air taxi services in Japan. The two companies plan to establish a joint venture and introduce over 100 Joby aircraft into a new urban air mobility (UAM) ecosystem, beginning with a phased rollout in Tokyo.
Focus on Urban Mobility
The collaboration between ANA and Joby, a California-based developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, seeks to transform urban transportation in Japan’s densely populated regions. Their aircraft, designed for quiet operation and zero emissions, can carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds up to 200 mph (320 km/h), offering a cleaner, faster alternative to conventional ground transport.
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“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,” said Koji Shibata, President and CEO of ANA HD. “Demonstration flights at the Expo are the first step in addressing that challenge.”
EXPO 2025 Demonstration Flights
To demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of electric air taxis, Joby will conduct public demonstration flights from October 1–13 at EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Kansai. The aircraft, featuring a special ANA livery, will perform piloted operations including vertical takeoff, wingborne flight, and landing at the Expo site in western Osaka City.
Building the UAM Ecosystem
In addition to the aircraft rollout, ANA and Joby will jointly develop the necessary infrastructure to support a functioning air taxi network. This includes building vertiports, initiating pilot training programs, and establishing maintenance operations. They will collaborate closely with local and national governments, as well as private sector partners such as Toyota Motor Corporation, a key investor in Joby Aviation.
“Japan is an extraordinary launchpad for redefining the future of air mobility,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “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.”
A Broader Market Vision
This expansion marks a critical step in Japan’s move toward next-generation transportation and aligns with global projections that place urban air mobility as a key component of future city planning. Market forecasts highlight growing demand for vertiport infrastructure, pilot services, and supporting platforms through 2031.
Javeria Sajid is an Aerospace Engineering student from NUST with a background in technology and a sharp focus on the global political landscape and defence innovation. She writes to make complex defence technologies understandable, and aspires to bridge journalism, policy, and engineering in her work.
