By 2027, Japan could see a fresh twist in urban travel with the debut of electric air taxis. In a joint effort, Japan’s ANA airline and California-based Joby Aviation are developing a fleet of innovative aircraft capable of carrying a pilot plus four passengers. With speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph), these vehicles promise to cut a journey from the Narita and Haneda airports to central Tokyo down to just 15 minutes—a marked improvement over the typical hour-long trip by car or train.
The plan is to introduce more than 100 five-seater air taxis, with the first public demonstration slated for the Osaka Expo in October. Although pricing details remain under wraps, ANA is committed to making this service accessible. Joby Aviation’s CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, believes Japan’s distinctive mix of tradition and modern ingenuity makes it a perfect launchpad for this new mode of transport.
Engineered for vertical takeoff, much like a helicopter, and then transitioning to forward flight akin to a conventional airplane, these air taxis not only ensure a quieter ride but also produce zero emissions. Despite the challenges highlighted by setbacks at companies like Volocopter—where delays in engine certification have disrupted plans—the ANA and Joby Aviation partnership is a significant step towards a new era in air mobility.
