Technology & Innovation
ANA and Joby Aviation Showcase eVTOL Flights at Expo 2025 Osaka
ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation will demonstrate eVTOL aircraft at Expo 2025 Osaka, advancing urban air mobility in Japan.
ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation Pioneer Urban Air Mobility with Historic eVTOL Demonstrations at Expo 2025 Osaka
The partnership between ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation to showcase electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft at Expo 2025 Osaka represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of urban air mobility, marking the first large-scale public demonstration of commercial eVTOL technology in Japan. This groundbreaking collaboration, featuring the Joby S4 aircraft adorned with distinctive ANA livery, will conduct daily flight demonstrations from October 1-13, 2025, at the EXPO Vertiport within the Mobility Experience area of the exposition site. The demonstration program serves as a crucial stepping stone toward the companies’ ambitious goal of establishing a joint venture to deploy more than 100 Joby aircraft across Japan, beginning with Tokyo and expanding to create a comprehensive air taxi ecosystem throughout the nation. With the global eVTOL market projected to reach $87.6 billion by 2026, growing at a 37.2% compound annual growth rate, and Japan’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions, this initiative positions both companies at the forefront of what industry experts predict will be a transformative shift in urban mobility infrastructure.
Urban air mobility (UAM) is rapidly emerging as a solution to urban congestion, environmental sustainability, and the growing demand for efficient intra-city transportation. The ANA and Joby Aviation demonstration at Expo 2025 Osaka is not only a technological showcase but also a strategic move that could influence regulatory frameworks, public acceptance, and the pace of eVTOL adoption in Japan and beyond. The demonstration flights are expected to provide valuable operational data, public feedback, and a high-profile platform to engage stakeholders from government, industry, and the general public.
As Japan prepares to host millions of visitors and global attention at Expo 2025, the eVTOL demonstrations stand to highlight the nation’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. The collaboration between a leading Japanese Airlines and a pioneering American eVTOL Manufacturers underscores the international nature of the urban air mobility revolution and sets the stage for future partnerships and market developments.
Background and Historical Context of Urban Air Mobility Development
The concept of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has transitioned from speculative fiction to imminent reality over the last decade. This evolution has been propelled by technological advancements in battery energy density, electric propulsion, and flight control systems, as well as the pressing need to address urban congestion and environmental concerns. The eVTOL industry began gaining significant momentum in the early 2010s, coinciding with the rise of autonomous vehicle technologies and increased investment in sustainable transportation.
ANA Holdings, Japan’s largest airline group, has consistently been an early adopter of aviation innovation. Since its establishment in 2013, ANA has integrated advanced technologies and sustainable practices into its operations, earning a 5-Star SKYTRAX rating for twelve consecutive years. The company’s environmental strategy, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, aligns closely with the adoption of zero-emission eVTOL aircraft and other sustainable aviation initiatives.
Joby Aviation, founded by JoeBen Bevirt, has been a front-runner in eVTOL development, emphasizing vertical integration and in-house component design. With over 1,000 test flights and significant regulatory progress, Joby has positioned itself as a technology leader. The company’s approach contrasts with competitors who rely more heavily on established aerospace suppliers, highlighting the diversity of strategies within the eVTOL sector.
Regulatory Evolution and Japan’s Approach
Regulation has been a significant challenge for the eVTOL industry. Traditional aviation frameworks were not designed for aircraft with distributed propulsion, vertical takeoff, and potential autonomy. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have developed distinct certification approaches, with the FAA focusing on risk-based safety outcomes and EASA blending conventional and performance-based standards.
Japan’s regulatory environment has been characterized by close collaboration between industry and government. The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau has worked with companies like SkyDrive to establish certification pathways, granting a G-1 certification basis in early 2025. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has also outlined vertiport classifications to support a range of eVTOL applications, from airport transfers to emergency medical services.
This progressive regulatory stance is expected to facilitate the deployment of eVTOL services in Japan, offering a supportive environment for ANA and Joby’s joint venture ambitions.
“The ANA and Joby Aviation demonstration program will operate from the EXPO Vertiport, strategically located within the Mobility Experience area of the exposition site.”
The Expo 2025 Demonstration Program: A Showcase of Future Mobility
Expo 2025 Osaka, running from April 13 to October 13, 2025, is poised to attract around 28 million visitors, serving as a global stage for cutting-edge technology and international collaboration. The ANA and Joby demonstration flights will take place at the EXPO Vertiport, with scheduled flights twice daily and additional showcase events for public engagement.
The demonstration flights will last 10 to 15 minutes and are designed to highlight the Joby S4’s vertical takeoff, transition to wing-borne flight, and vertical landing. On select days, the aircraft will be displayed at the Vertiport hangar for closer public inspection. Outdoor viewing areas, including the Grand Ring, will allow thousands of visitors to witness the flights, ensuring broad exposure and engagement.
Beyond public spectacle, these demonstrations serve critical strategic purposes. They offer Joby Aviation operational experience in a controlled environment and allow ANA Holdings to gather feedback on public acceptance and operational logistics. The program also provides a platform to demonstrate the aircraft’s quiet operation and zero-emission profile, key factors for urban deployment and regulatory approval.
Strategic and Business Implications
The Expo demonstration is part of a broader strategy to establish a joint venture between ANA and Joby for eVTOL air taxi services in Japan. The planned deployment of over 100 Joby aircraft represents one of the largest eVTOL rollouts globally. ANA brings aviation expertise, regulatory relationships, and customer service infrastructure, while Joby provides advanced technology and manufacturing capabilities.
Toyota Motor Corporation, a key investor and collaborator, adds automotive manufacturing expertise to the partnership. This cross-industry collaboration is indicative of the broader trend in eVTOL development, where automotive and aerospace sectors converge to scale production and optimize costs.
Infrastructure development, including vertiports, pilot training, and maintenance, will be critical to the partnership’s success. Collaboration with government agencies and private sector partners is expected to accelerate ecosystem development and support the transition from demonstration to commercial operations.
“The demonstration program serves multiple strategic purposes beyond public education and engagement. It provides Joby Aviation with valuable operational experience in a controlled environment while allowing ANA Holdings to assess public reception and operational feasibility.”
Technical Specifications and Capabilities of the Joby S4 Aircraft
The Joby S4 is among the most advanced eVTOL aircraft nearing commercial certification. Designed for urban air mobility, it accommodates four passengers and one pilot, with a payload capacity of 1,000 pounds. The aircraft achieves a maximum speed of 200 mph and a range of 100 miles, making it suitable for city and airport connections.
The S4’s propulsion system features six electric dual-wound motors, distributed across the wings and V-tail, providing redundancy and safety. Its four lithium-ion battery packs deliver a peak power output of 236 kW, with high energy density, supporting both performance and operational range. The aircraft’s quiet operation, approximately 45 dBA during cruise, addresses a major concern for urban deployment.
Safety is a central design principle. The distributed propulsion system ensures continued safe operation even with multiple motor failures, and the aircraft can land conventionally if necessary. Advanced flight control systems reduce pilot workload and enhance safety, drawing on technologies from both aviation and military sectors.
Environmental and Societal Impact
ANA Holdings’ environmental strategy is closely tied to the adoption of eVTOL technology. The company’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 is supported by the zero-emission operation of the Joby S4, which produces no direct carbon emissions during flight. The aircraft’s quiet profile also reduces noise pollution, a significant barrier to urban aviation.
Japan’s broader environmental policies, including commitments to sustainable aviation fuel and negative emissions technologies, complement the deployment of eVTOL aircraft. ANA’s partnerships with companies like Climeworks and 1PointFive for carbon capture further illustrate a multi-faceted approach to sustainability.
The environmental benefits of eVTOL adoption depend on the carbon intensity of the electricity used for charging. Japan’s ongoing transition to renewable energy will influence the overall sustainability of eVTOL operations, and partnerships for renewable energy sourcing at vertiports could further enhance environmental outcomes.
“The aircraft’s exceptionally low noise profile, registering approximately 45 dBA during cruise flight, represents a critical advancement for urban operations where noise pollution concerns could limit deployment.”
Market Analysis, Competition, and Future Prospects
The global eVTOL market is expected to experience rapid growth, with projections ranging from $4.2 billion in early 2025 to $87.6 billion by 2026. This growth is driven by urban congestion, environmental regulations, and technological advancements. Venture funding in the sector has exceeded $12 billion, with major players like Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, and Lilium racing to achieve commercial certification and market entry.
Competition is intense and diverse. Joby’s vertical integration contrasts with Archer’s reliance on established suppliers, while Lilium and EHang pursue different technological and market strategies. Strategic partnerships, such as Joby’s with Toyota and Delta Air Lines, are crucial for scaling production and accessing markets. Regional regulatory differences and market readiness also shape competitive dynamics.
Japan’s market offers unique opportunities due to its geography, population density, and supportive regulatory environment. The planned deployment of over 100 Joby aircraft positions ANA and Joby as first movers, but success will depend on effective execution, public acceptance, and continued regulatory progress. The Expo 2025 demonstrations are a critical step in building momentum and validating the commercial viability of eVTOL services in Japan.
Regulatory and Infrastructure Challenges
Regulatory uncertainty remains a significant obstacle. The FAA, EASA, and Japanese authorities are developing new certification frameworks, but differences in safety standards and operational requirements create complexity for manufacturers and operators. Airspace integration and vertiport infrastructure development are additional challenges that require coordination between aviation authorities, local governments, and private sector partners.
Japan’s collaborative regulatory approach, including recent progress with SkyDrive and vertiport classifications, may offer a smoother path to market for ANA and Joby. However, the experience of Expo 2025 itself, with construction delays and cost overruns, highlights the risks associated with large-scale innovation projects.
Long-term success will depend on overcoming these challenges, ensuring safety and reliability, and building public trust in eVTOL technology as a safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation option.
“The regulatory landscape for eVTOL aircraft has required extensive development of new certification frameworks. Traditional aviation regulations, designed for conventional aircraft, proved inadequate for vehicles featuring distributed propulsion systems, vertical takeoff capabilities, and potential autonomous operation.”
Conclusion
The ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation eVTOL demonstrations at Expo 2025 Osaka represent a landmark event in the advancement of urban air mobility. This collaboration not only showcases cutting-edge technology but also sets the stage for the commercial deployment of eVTOL services in Japan. The partnership brings together aviation expertise, advanced engineering, and a shared commitment to sustainability, positioning both companies as leaders in the future of urban transportation.
As the industry moves from demonstration to commercial reality, the outcomes of the Expo 2025 flights will influence regulatory frameworks, public perception, and market development. The success of ANA and Joby’s partnership could accelerate the adoption of eVTOL technology, offering a blueprint for similar initiatives worldwide and contributing to the broader goals of sustainable, efficient, and accessible urban mobility.
FAQ
What is an eVTOL aircraft?
An eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft is a type of vehicle that uses electric propulsion to take off, fly, and land vertically. It is designed for urban air mobility, reducing congestion and emissions compared to traditional transportation.
When and where will the ANA and Joby demonstration flights take place?
The public demonstration flights will occur from October 1-13, 2025, at the EXPO Vertiport within the Mobility Experience area of Expo 2025 Osaka.
How many Joby aircraft are planned for deployment in Japan?
ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation have announced plans to deploy more than 100 Joby aircraft across Japan, beginning with Tokyo and expanding to other major cities.
What are the main environmental benefits of eVTOL aircraft?
eVTOL aircraft produce zero direct emissions during flight and have a very low noise profile, making them suitable for urban environments and helping reduce transportation-related carbon emissions.
What are the biggest challenges to commercial eVTOL adoption?
Key challenges include regulatory approval, infrastructure development (such as vertiports), airspace integration, public acceptance, and ensuring safety and reliability in urban environments.
Sources
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation
Technology & Innovation
Japan Airlines Deploys Electric Aircraft Washing Robot at Narita
JAL will deploy the Aerowash AW3 robot at Tokyo Narita in 2026, cutting wash times 40% and water use 50%.
Japan Airlines (JAL) will deploy a fully electric, remote-controlled aircraft washing robot at Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) later in 2026, a move projected to cut aircraft cleaning times by up to 40 percent and water consumption by half.
In a press release issued on August 28, 2026, the JAL Group announced the introduction of the Aerowash Remote-Controlled Aircraft Washing Robot (AW3), manufactured by Swedish firm Aerowash AB. The deployment marks the first time a domestic airline in Japan has implemented a program-controlled collaborative robot for aircraft exterior cleaning. The initiative aims to improve occupational health and safety for ground staff while reducing the environmental footprint of ground handling operations.
Operational efficiency and environmental impact
The AW3 is fully electric and battery-powered, eliminating direct exhaust emissions on the ramp during operation. According to the JAL Group, the automated system can reduce the time required to wash an aircraft by up to 40 percent compared to traditional manual methods. The robot is also expected to decrease water usage per aircraft by up to 50 percent.
Aviation Week reported that the AW3 system is compatible with several aircraft types in the Japan Airlines fleet, including the Boeing 737, Boeing 767, Boeing 787, and Airbus A350. Full-scale implementation at Narita is scheduled for late 2026 following comprehensive operational training for ground handling staff.
Labor strategy and Automation history
The aviation industry is increasingly turning to automated ground support equipment to mitigate labor shortages and improve turnaround times. Atsuki Kino of the Japan Airlines Airport Ground Handling Planning Department told The Straits Times that the primary objective is workload reduction rather than workforce elimination.
“The goal is not to reduce staff, but to reduce their workloads so they can use the time saved to perform other high-value tasks, changing the way they work,” Kino said.
The AW3 mitigates physical strain and chemical exposure for ground crews who previously conducted exterior washing manually. This is not the airline’s first attempt at automating exterior cleaning. According to Aviation Week, Japan Airlines tested a wired remote-controlled washing system in the 1990s. That initiative was ultimately abandoned due to technical limitations of the era, making the AW3 deployment a successful return to a concept first explored approximately 30 years ago.
AirPro News analysis
The introduction of the Aerowash AW3 by Japan Airlines highlights a broader industry shift toward electrifying and automating ground support equipment. As airlines face persistent global shortages in ground handling personnel, technologies that reduce physical fatigue and chemical exposure become critical retention tools. We expect to see similar collaborative robotics adopted across major Asian and European hubs over the next five years, particularly as Sustainability mandates force operators to scrutinize water consumption and ramp emissions. The 30-year gap between JAL’s initial wired prototype and the AW3 underscores how recent advancements in battery density and spatial programming were required to make automated aircraft washing commercially viable.
Sources: JAL Group
Photo Credit: JAL Group
Sustainable Aviation
KBR PureSAF Technology Selected for Kazakhstan First SAF Plant
KBR licenses PureSAF technology for Kazakhstan’s first SAF facility, using an alcohol-to-jet process with domestic feedstocks.
Global engineering firm KBR announced on August 24, 2026, that it secured a contracts to license its proprietary PureSAF technology and provide engineering design for Kazakhstan’s inaugural Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production facility. The project, developed in partnership with KazMunayGas-Aero LLP (KMG-Aero) and KazFoodProducts (KFP), will utilize domestic agricultural feedstocks to produce low-carbon aviation fuel via an alcohol-to-jet (AtJ) process.
In a press release detailing the contract award, KBR confirmed the agreement supports Kazakhstan’s strategic objective to establish itself as an international aviation hub while advancing aviation decarbonization. The planned facility will leverage technology developed in collaboration with Swedish Biofuels AB to convert ethanol into drop-in aviation fuel.
Technology and Project Scope
The facility will utilize KBR’s PureSAF technology, an alcohol-to-jet pathway designed to process agricultural feedstocks into sustainable aviation fuel. The foundational trilateral agreement covering the Process Design Package (PDP) and technology licensing was signed by KBR, KMG-Aero, and KFP in Astana on July 23, 2026. KBR, which employs approximately 37,000 people and operates in 28 countries, will provide the engineering framework required to scale the AtJ process for commercial output.
KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions President Jay Ibrahim stated the company is honored to support the national commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“KBR’s PureSAF is a feed-flexible, bankable technology that is designed to deliver high SAF yields and supports the project across the full lifecycle. We look forward to closely collaborating and supporting the successful execution of this landmark SAF project,” Ibrahim said.
Kazakhstan’s Aviation Decarbonization Strategy
The KBR contract follows a series of government initiatives aimed at building a domestic SAF supply chain. On August 4, 2026, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Dr. Peter Lee of Hong Kong-based Full Vision Capital signed a memorandum of understanding to explore creating a green aviation fuel ecosystem in the city of Alatau. This proposed ecosystem would cover the full production cycle, from cultivating agricultural feedstock to manufacturing the finished product.
These infrastructure investments align with recommendations from global aviation regulators and industry groups. In April 2026, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasized that continued investment in SAF, alongside new airport infrastructure, is critical for Kazakhstan to capitalize on global passenger and cargo traffic and strengthen its domestic aviation sector.
AirPro News analysis
The KBR contract award represents a concrete technical step in Kazakhstan’s ambition to localize SAF production, but several commercial variables remain undefined. The August 24 announcement did not disclose the financial value of the engineering contract, the projected production capacity of the facility, or a target completion date. We note that while the alcohol-to-jet pathway is a proven method for SAF production, scaling agricultural feedstock supply-chain domestically will be critical to the plant’s long-term viability. The parallel involvement of Full Vision Capital suggests the government is actively working to finance and structure this agricultural supply chain in the Alatau region to ensure the KBR-designed facility has the necessary inputs to operate at scale.
Sources: KBR
Photo Credit: Montage
Technology & Innovation
Boeing and GM Complete Sale of HRL Laboratories to IBM
Boeing and GM finalized the sale of HRL Laboratories to IBM on August 25, 2026, supporting Boeing’s refocus on core aerospace operations.
The Boeing Company and General Motors Company have finalized the sale of their jointly owned research facility, HRL Laboratories, to International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), a divestment that allows the aerospace and automotive manufacturers to redirect resources toward their primary industrial operations.
The transaction transfers ownership of the Malibu, California-based research center, which Boeing and GM previously held in a 50/50 joint venture. The companies initially announced the acquisition agreement on July 23, 2026. Boeing and GM confirmed the completion of the sale in a press release on August 25, 2026, followed by IBM’s official confirmation on August 26. Financial terms of the Acquisitions were not disclosed.
Strategic realignment for Boeing and GM
For Boeing, the sale of HRL Laboratories aligns with a broader corporate Strategy to streamline operations and concentrate capital on its core commercial airplanes, defense, and space divisions. HRL Laboratories was founded in 1948 and has historically provided advanced physical science and engineering research for its parent companies.
In a joint statement, Boeing and GM indicated that they will maintain a working relationship with the laboratory under its new ownership to support their respective technological needs.
“Since its founding in 1948, HRL Laboratories has been a leader in pioneering work in physical science and engineering, and we look forward to IBM building on this legacy. While Boeing and GM will continue to partner with IBM and HRL on quantum applications and advanced technology development, our companies will focus our resources on our respective core businesses and delivering the programs and services necessary to meet our customers’ evolving needs.”
IBM accelerates quantum hardware roadmap
The acquisition provides IBM with HRL’s expertise in silicon-spin qubits, quantum sensing, and advanced materials. IBM plans to integrate these technologies into its dual-track hardware strategy, combining its existing superconducting circuits with HRL’s silicon quantum dot research.
This integration supports the development of the IBM Quantum Starling, a fault-tolerant quantum computer projected to perform 100 million quantum operations by 2029.
Jay Gambetta, Director of Research and IBM Fellow, noted in a company statement that the HRL team brings a broad portfolio of technologies that will strengthen IBM’s long-term plans to deliver useful quantum computing. Gambetta stated the acquisition brings together advances across quantum computing, sensing, and networking.
Rob Vasquez, President and Chief Executive Officer of HRL Laboratories, described the acquisition as the natural next chapter for the facility, noting the team’s dedication to exploring how future quantum computers could be built at unprecedented scales.
AirPro News analysis
We view Boeing’s divestment of HRL Laboratories as a pragmatic step in its ongoing effort to stabilize and refocus its core aerospace Manufacturing businesses. While quantum computing and advanced materials research hold long-term promise for aerospace applications, maintaining a 50 percent stake in a dedicated research laboratory requires capital and management bandwidth that Boeing currently needs for its Commercial-Aircraft production and certification programs. By transitioning from an owner to a partner, Boeing retains access to HRL’s quantum advancements without the financial overhead of managing the joint venture.
Sources: The Boeing Company
Photo Credit: HRL Laboratories
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