ANA and Joby to Showcase Electric Air Taxis in Osaka
ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation have been selected to operate electric air taxi flights during Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, marking a significant milestone for urban air mobility in the Asia-Pacific region. The partnership aims to demonstrate the viability of aerial ridesharing services using Joby’s all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The Expo, scheduled to run from April to October 2025, is expected to attract millions of visitors, providing a high-profile stage for the technology.
Joby Aviation’s aircraft is designed for quiet operation, zero in-flight emissions, and the ability to carry four passengers plus a pilot at speeds up to 200 kilometers per hour. With a range of approximately 150 kilometers on a single charge, the vehicle is optimized for short to medium urban and regional routes. The company has been advancing its certification efforts with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), leveraging its ongoing work with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to align regulatory requirements.
ANA Holdings, Japan’s largest airline group, brings decades of operational expertise and infrastructure to the collaboration. By integrating Joby’s aircraft into its service portfolio, ANA aims to explore new mobility solutions that complement existing air transport. The Expo demonstration flights are intended not only to showcase the technology but also to provide valuable operational data and passenger feedback.
JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, stated, “We’re honored to partner with ANA to bring our aircraft to Japan and to demonstrate its capabilities at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.” He emphasized the importance of the event as a platform to engage with the public and regulators, accelerating the path toward commercial service.
Shinya Katanozaka, President and CEO of ANA Holdings, commented, “We are proud to work with Joby to introduce this innovative new service to Japan. The Expo will be a great opportunity to showcase how air taxis can improve connectivity and reduce travel time.”
The collaboration builds on a strategic partnership announced earlier, which includes joint studies on flight operations, infrastructure requirements, and customer experience. The Expo flights will serve as a live demonstration of how eVTOL services can integrate into urban environments, potentially reducing congestion and offering faster point-to-point travel.
Joby’s aircraft employs a distributed electric propulsion system, with multiple tilting rotors providing both vertical lift and efficient forward flight. This configuration allows for high maneuverability and redundancy, enhancing safety. Noise reduction has been a key design priority, with the aircraft reportedly producing a fraction of the noise of conventional helicopters, making it more suitable for densely populated areas.
The urban air mobility sector has been gaining momentum globally, with Japan positioning itself as an early adopter. Government initiatives have supported research and development in eVTOL technologies, aiming to address transportation challenges in megacities and remote regions alike. The Expo demonstration aligns with these national goals, potentially paving the way for broader adoption.
While the announcement contains forward-looking statements, both companies acknowledge the technical, regulatory, and operational hurdles that remain. These include obtaining necessary certifications, scaling production, and ensuring reliable service. Joby’s ability to meet its performance targets and timelines will be critical to the success of the venture.
The Expo 2025 flights are expected to be among the first public demonstrations of eVTOL passenger service in Japan. If successful, they could accelerate the timeline for commercial deployment, offering a glimpse into a future where electric air taxis are a regular part of urban transportation networks.
