Technology & Innovation
ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation Expand Partnership for Japan Air Taxi Service
ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation partner to deploy over 100 electric air taxis in Japan, starting with EXPO 2025 Osaka demonstration flights.
ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation Forge Strategic Partnership to Transform Japan’s Urban Air Mobility Landscape
The aviation industry is entering a new era as ANA Holdings, Japan’s largest airline group, and Joby Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, announced a major expansion of their partnership in August 2025. This move aims to introduce commercial electric air taxi services in Japan, with plans to deploy over 100 Joby aircraft in the coming years. The initiative will begin with demonstration flights at EXPO 2025 Osaka, marking a significant step toward integrating air taxis into Japan’s transportation system. By combining ANA’s operational expertise with Joby’s cutting-edge technology, this partnership positions Japan as a front-runner in the rapidly growing advanced air mobility (AAM) sector.
Urban congestion, environmental concerns, and the demand for efficient transportation solutions are driving cities worldwide to explore new mobility options. Japan, with its dense urban centers and advanced infrastructure, stands as an ideal testing ground for such innovations. The collaboration between ANA and Joby is not just about introducing a new mode of travel; it’s about reimagining how cities move, connect, and evolve in the face of 21st-century challenges.
Historical Context and Company Backgrounds
The ANA-Joby partnership draws on decades of aviation leadership and technological innovation. ANA Holdings, established in 1952, has evolved from a domestic airline into Japan’s largest airline group, operating over 200 aircraft and serving both domestic and international routes. Its commitment to safety and service excellence is underscored by twelve consecutive years of SKYTRAX 5-Star ratings. ANA’s broad portfolio now includes logistics, travel, and emerging mobility solutions, reflecting its adaptability in a changing industry.
Joby Aviation, founded in 2009 by JoeBen Bevirt, has emerged from stealth-mode R&D to become a recognized leader in eVTOL technology. The company’s early work with NASA on electric propulsion and flight control systems laid the groundwork for its proprietary eVTOL aircraft. Joby’s focus on quiet, efficient, and safe electric flight has resulted in an aircraft that, according to NASA testing, is significantly quieter than traditional helicopters, a crucial factor for urban operations.
The companies’ collaboration began in 2022, with Toyota Motor Corporation joining as a key investor and manufacturing partner. This triad leverages ANA’s operational know-how, Joby’s technology, and Toyota’s manufacturing prowess, signaling a serious commitment to making air taxis a reality in Japan.
Japan’s Urban Mobility Challenges
Japan’s major cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, face persistent traffic congestion, long commute times, and limited space for expanding traditional infrastructure. Urban density and rising demand for efficient travel have made alternative solutions like air taxis increasingly attractive. The government and private sector are actively seeking ways to reduce congestion and emissions while maintaining high standards of safety and reliability.
According to ANA, air taxi services could reduce travel times dramatically, for example, cutting the trip from central Tokyo to Narita Airport from about an hour by train to approximately 15 minutes by air taxi. Such improvements could enhance productivity, support tourism, and improve quality of life in Japan’s urban centers.
The Japanese public’s openness to technological innovation, combined with stringent regulatory standards, creates both opportunities and challenges for introducing new mobility solutions. The ANA-Joby partnership is designed to navigate these complexities by leveraging trusted brands and proven expertise.
“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.” , Koji Shibata, President and CEO, ANA Holdings
Partnership Evolution and Strategic Foundation
The August 2025 announcement marks a shift from exploratory collaboration to operational commitment. ANA and Joby are forming a joint venture to deploy more than 100 eVTOL aircraft, beginning with demonstration flights at EXPO 2025 Osaka. The partnership covers not only aircraft deployment but also the creation of a full urban air mobility ecosystem, including vertiport infrastructure, pilot training, and maintenance support.
Toyota’s role as an investor and technology partner adds manufacturing expertise and financial stability to the project. This cross-industry alliance is intended to accelerate the safe, scalable rollout of air taxi services, with a phased launch starting in Tokyo and expanding to other regions as infrastructure and regulatory frameworks mature.
Both companies are working closely with Japanese national and local governments to develop regulatory pathways and public engagement strategies. The upcoming demonstration flights will be a key step in building public trust and gathering operational data in Japan’s unique airspace and urban environments.
Technical Specifications of Joby’s eVTOL Aircraft
Joby’s S4 eVTOL aircraft is designed for urban passenger transport, featuring six tilting propellers for vertical takeoff and efficient forward flight. The aircraft accommodates one pilot and four passengers, with a maximum cruise speed of 200 mph (322 km/h) and a range of 100 miles (161 km), including reserves. Its distributed electric propulsion system provides redundancy and safety, while large windows offer panoramic views.
The S4 uses advanced lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese-oxide batteries to power six high-performance electric motors, each delivering peak power of 236 kW. The aircraft’s noise profile is a standout feature: NASA testing found it produces just 45.2 dBA in cruise at 1,640 feet, significantly quieter than a typical helicopter, which can reach 80 dBA at similar distances.
These characteristics make the S4 suitable for frequent operations in densely populated urban areas, where noise and emissions are major concerns. The aircraft’s safety systems and flight control software are designed to meet rigorous aviation standards, with multiple redundancies in propulsion and avionics.
“Japan is an extraordinary launchpad for redefining the future of air mobility, where ancient wisdom, legendary craftsmanship, and soaring ambition converge.” , JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO, Joby Aviation
Market Context, Industry Trends, and Regulatory Environment
The global advanced air mobility market is experiencing rapid growth, with estimates projecting expansion from $11.75 billion in 2024 to $137.11 billion by 2035. This growth is fueled by urbanization, congestion, and the push for greener transportation alternatives. Japan’s unique market conditions, high population density, advanced infrastructure, and regulatory rigor, make it a prime candidate for early air taxi adoption.
The ANA-Joby partnership faces competition from other eVTOL developers and mobility providers, but it benefits from first-mover advantages, trusted brands, and a comprehensive approach to ecosystem development. The companies are not only introducing new vehicles but also building the necessary infrastructure, training programs, and maintenance networks to support safe, reliable operations.
Regulatory approval remains a critical factor. Joby has made strides in the U.S., securing a special airworthiness certificate and Part 135 air service certification from the FAA. In Japan, authorities are working to establish frameworks for eVTOL operations, with ANA and Joby collaborating closely to ensure compliance and safety. The EXPO 2025 demonstration flights will provide valuable experience and data to inform future regulatory decisions.
Infrastructure and Ecosystem Development
Successful air taxi deployment requires more than just aircraft; it demands a robust ecosystem. ANA and Joby are investing in vertiport development, integrating air taxi services with existing transportation networks, and establishing pilot training and maintenance programs. Site selection for vertiports must balance convenience, safety, and noise considerations, while training programs will prepare pilots for the unique demands of eVTOL flight.
Maintenance infrastructure is another key focus, as electric aircraft have different requirements than traditional planes or helicopters. Specialized training for technicians and distributed maintenance sites will be essential for reliable, scalable operations.
Public engagement is also central to the partnership’s strategy. The demonstration flights at EXPO 2025 Osaka, featuring ANA-branded Joby aircraft, are intended to build public awareness, trust, and enthusiasm for air taxis. These events will showcase the technology’s safety, quietness, and efficiency, helping to pave the way for broader adoption.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
One of the main advantages of electric air taxis is their environmental profile. Joby’s eVTOL aircraft produce zero direct emissions during flight, helping to reduce urban air pollution. Their quiet operation minimizes noise pollution, addressing a common barrier to helicopter use in cities.
As Japan’s energy grid incorporates more renewable sources, the environmental benefits of electric aviation are expected to increase further. However, the full lifecycle impact, including battery production and recycling, remains an area of focus for both companies. Sustainable manufacturing and responsible end-of-life management will be important as the industry scales.
By offering a cleaner, faster alternative to ground transportation, air taxis could reduce congestion and emissions in Japan’s busiest cities. This aligns with national goals for decarbonization and improved urban livability.
Conclusion
The expanded partnership between ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation represents a significant leap forward for urban mobility in Japan and sets a precedent for global adoption of advanced air mobility solutions. By committing to deploy over 100 electric air taxis, supported by comprehensive infrastructure and rigorous safety standards, the companies are laying the groundwork for a new era of sustainable urban aviation.
As demonstration flights at EXPO 2025 Osaka approach, the world will be watching to see how this collaboration shapes the future of city travel. The partnership’s success could influence similar initiatives worldwide, driving innovation and setting standards for safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible air taxi services.
FAQ
What are eVTOL aircraft?
eVTOL stands for electric vertical takeoff and landing. These aircraft use electric propulsion to take off and land vertically, making them suitable for urban environments with limited space.
When will air taxi services launch in Japan?
Demonstration flights are scheduled for EXPO 2025 Osaka (October 1–13, 2025), with commercial deployment planned to follow, starting in Tokyo and expanding to other regions.
How quiet are Joby’s air taxis compared to helicopters?
NASA testing confirmed Joby’s S4 aircraft produces 45.2 dBA in cruise at 1,640 feet, making it significantly quieter than traditional helicopters, which can reach around 80 dBA.
What environmental benefits do electric air taxis offer?
Joby’s eVTOL aircraft produce zero direct emissions and much less noise than conventional helicopters, helping to reduce urban pollution and improve quality of life.
Who are the main partners in this initiative?
ANA Holdings, Joby Aviation, and Toyota Motor Corporation are the primary partners, combining expertise in aviation, technology, and manufacturing.
Sources
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation
Technology & Innovation
AutoFlight V2000CG Earns First Overseas eVTOL Type Certificate
Indonesia’s DGCA validated AutoFlight’s V2000CG CarryAll on June 3, 2026, marking the first overseas eVTOL type certificate.
AutoFlight’s V2000CG CarryAll unmanned cargo eVTOL has become the first electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to secure overseas type certificate validation, following approval from Indonesia’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on June 3, 2026.
The Validated Type Certificate (VTC) clears the 2-ton aircraft for commercial cargo operations across Indonesia. In an official statement released on June 11, 2026, AutoFlight noted the milestone establishes an operational foundation for commercial eVTOL services in Southeast Asia and advances the manufacturer’s global market expansion strategy.
Certification path and operational capabilities
The V2000CG originally received its Type Certificate (TC) from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on March 22, 2024. AutoFlight submitted its VTC application to the Indonesian regulator in July 2025. The recent approval confirms the aircraft’s design complies with the airworthiness requirements of both national aviation authorities.
Indonesia presents unique logistics challenges due to its geography of more than 17,000 islands. AutoFlight stated the V2000CG’s fully electric lift-and-cruise configuration, which requires no runway infrastructure, is suited for inter-island transport of high-value goods such as fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and emergency supplies.
The V2000CG features a maximum take-off weight of 2,000 kilograms and a payload capacity of 400 kilograms. It operates with a cruise speed of 200 kilometers per hour and a range of 200 kilometers.
Recent flight testing and global expansion
The Indonesian validation follows a series of operational demonstrations by AutoFlight throughout the spring of 2026. On April 17, 2026, the autonomous V2000CG transported fresh tea over mountainous terrain in Guizhou, China, reducing a lengthy road journey to a 37-minute flight.
International expansion efforts have also included a demonstration flight in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on May 19, 2026. During that event, AutoFlight signed a memorandum of understanding with Alatau Advance Air Group Ltd. for the purchase of 50 large eVTOL aircraft from the V2000 and V5000 series to develop a low-altitude transport network in Central Asia.
On May 26, 2026, the manufacturer completed a mixed-fleet formation flight to validate communication links and flight coordination between its 2-ton V2000-series and 5-ton V5000 Matrix aircraft.
AirPro News analysis
We view the DGCA validation as a critical proof of concept for bilateral eVTOL certification pathways. While much of the advanced air mobility sector remains focused on passenger transport in the United States and Europe, AutoFlight’s strategy highlights the immediate commercial viability of heavy-lift unmanned cargo operations in regions with challenging geography. Securing a VTC outside the manufacturer’s home country demonstrates that regulatory frameworks for autonomous electric aviation are maturing in Southeast Asia, potentially accelerating adoption timelines ahead of Western markets.
Sources: AutoFlight
Photo Credit: AutoFlight
Technology & Innovation
NASA X-59 Reaches Mach 1.4 for Quesst Overflight Testing
NASA’s X-59 hit Mach 1.4 at 55,000 ft on June 10, 2026, meeting the flight profile needed for community supersonic noise testing.
The Lockheed Martin X-59 experimental aircraft reached its target cruising speed of Mach 1.4 and an altitude of 55,000 feet on June 10, 2026, achieving the specific flight conditions required for its upcoming community overflight testing phase.
In a June 12 press release, NASA confirmed the milestone flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The X-59 is the centerpiece of the agency’s Quesst mission, which is designed to demonstrate that supersonic flight can produce a quiet sonic thump rather than a disruptive sonic boom. Data collected from future flights will be shared with regulators to evaluate the potential lifting of the 1973 ban on commercial supersonic flight over land.
Flight test progression and milestones
The June 10 flight follows the aircraft’s initial supersonic test just days prior. On June 5, 2026, the X-59 broke the sound barrier for the first time, reaching Mach 1.1 at an altitude of 43,400 feet during an 81-minute flight piloted by NASA test pilot Jim “Clue” Less. During that initial supersonic test, a NASA F-15 chase plane accompanied the experimental aircraft. The traditional sonic booms from the F-15 served to obscure the sound of the X-59.
The progression to Mach 1.4 at 55,000 feet represents the exact flight profile the aircraft will use during its operational data-gathering phase. The rapid succession of Test-Flights aligns with statements from NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman regarding the program’s momentum.
X-59 is getting ready for its quiet supersonic debut. Since the aircraft’s First-Flight on Oct. 28, 2025, the team has made tremendous progress, flying 16 times in the last 90 days and getting into a steady test rhythm. In the coming days, we expect to take the next step and push to Mach 1.4.
Regulatory implications for commercial aviation
The FAA prohibited civilian supersonic flight over the continental United States in 1973 due to the noise impact of sonic booms on communities below. The Quesst mission aims to provide the FAA and ICAO with empirical data on public perception of the reduced noise profile generated by the X-59.
Following the completion of performance testing, NASA plans to fly the X-59 over several U.S. communities. The agency will collect acoustic data and community feedback to help establish new noise standards for future supersonic aircraft designs.
AirPro News analysis
We view the rapid expansion of the X-59 flight envelope from Mach 1.1 to Mach 1.4 within a five-day window as a strong indicator of the airframe’s stability and the test program’s maturity. If the upcoming community overflights successfully demonstrate that the sonic thump is socially acceptable, the data provided to the FAA and ICAO could catalyze a significant shift in aerospace manufacturing. A regulatory pathway for overland supersonic flight would likely accelerate investment in commercial supersonic transport programs, which have historically been constrained by the economic limitations of operating solely over water routes.
Sources: NASA Quesst Blog, NASA
Photo Credit: NASA
Technology & Innovation
Embraer Outlines Net-Zero Roadmap and eVTOL Strategy
Embraer details its 2050 net-zero roadmap, electric aircraft concepts, and eVTOL plans at the AIAA AVIATION Forum 2026.
This article summarizes reporting by Aerospace America by Anne Wainscott-Sargent.
Embraer Director of Research and Technology Maurílio Albanese Novaes Jr. outlined the Brazilian manufacturer’s strategic roadmap for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and expanding its advanced air mobility portfolio during the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) AVIATION Forum in San Diego on June 8, 2026.
Novaes detailed the company’s six core innovation priorities and the specific engineering capabilities required to support future propulsion technologies. According to Aerospace America, the presentation highlighted Embraer’s multi-pronged approach to sustainability, which includes targeting a 10- to 12-passenger fully electric aircraft.
Engineering the path to net-zero emissions
Novaes emphasized that achieving the industry’s 2050 net-zero carbon emissions target will require diverse technological solutions rather than a single breakthrough. He noted that “there’s no silver bullet” for decarbonizing aviation. The company is currently evaluating multiple propulsion pathways to meet these environmental goals.
As part of its sustainability roadmap, Embraer is developing concepts for a fully electric aircraft designed to carry 10 to 12 passengers. This initiative builds on the efficiency gains achieved by the Embraer E-Jet E2 family, which the manufacturer states delivers a 20 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and a 30 percent decrease in external noise compared to competing aircraft.
The E-Jet E2 program recently secured simultaneous type certification from the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC), EASA, and the FAA. The aircraft also features the E2TS advanced take-off system, designed to automatically optimize climb profiles, reduce required runway length, and increase payload capacity for operations at restricted airports.
Workforce development and advanced air mobility
Supporting these technological advancements requires a specialized workforce. Embraer currently employs 4,200 engineers, and Novaes stressed the importance of cultivating new talent to sustain the company’s innovation pipeline. He referenced Casimiro Montenegro Filho, the Brazilian aviator who inspired Embraer’s founding, quoting his philosophy that producing engineers must precede producing aircraft.
The manufacturer’s engineering focus extends into the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) sector. Following the 2020 spin-off of Eve Air Mobility as an independent entity, Embraer continues to support the development of the Eve eVTOL aircraft, alongside the Eve Take Care services portfolio and the Eve Vector urban air traffic management system.
Industry peers at the forum acknowledged Embraer’s trajectory. Brad Pande, founder of iPropulsion, noted the manufacturer’s growth from a small Brazilian enterprise into a globally recognized aerospace entity. Since 2000, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft to over 2,000 clients, certifying more than 30 aircraft models over the past 25 years. This portfolio includes the Embraer Phenom 300, which has maintained its position as the best-selling executive jet for 14 consecutive years, and the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano, which has accumulated over 600,000 flight hours and 60,000 combat hours.
AirPro News analysis
We view Embraer’s dual focus on workforce development and multi-path propulsion as a pragmatic approach to the 2050 net-zero mandate. By explicitly stating that no single technology will solve the emissions challenge, the manufacturer is positioning itself to pivot between sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen, and battery-electric architectures as regulatory and technological landscapes evolve. The targeted 10- to 12-passenger electric aircraft serves as a logical testbed for these systems, scaling up technologies that may eventually inform larger regional platforms. The simultaneous triple-certification of the E-Jet E2 demonstrates a level of regulatory maturity that will be critical as the company navigates the complex certification requirements for its upcoming eVTOL and alternative propulsion projects.
Sources: Aerospace America
Photo Credit: Embraer
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