Joby and ANA Form Joint Venture to Launch eVTOL Air Taxi Services in Japan

Post by : Amit

Photo : X / Joby Aviation

Joby Aviation Expands Global Reach with ANA Partnership

Joby Aviation has signed a landmark agreement with ANA Holdings to establish a joint venture focused on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi services in Japan. The partnership, announced this week, represents a significant step forward in Joby’s strategy to commercialize electric air mobility beyond the U.S. market, where the California‑based startup is already advancing certification efforts with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

ANA Holdings, the parent company of All Nippon Airways, brings decades of airline operational expertise and a strong domestic network. Together, the companies plan to introduce air taxi services that will connect major Japanese cities with surrounding regions, reducing travel times while supporting Japan’s commitment to sustainable transportation.

Why Japan is a Key Market for eVTOL

Japan’s urban centers, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, are densely populated and increasingly constrained by road congestion. The Japanese government has prioritized advanced air mobility (AAM) as part of its economic and environmental agenda, setting targets to deploy eVTOL services in time for major global events such as the 2025 Osaka World Expo.

Joby’s five‑seat all‑electric aircraft, designed for quiet, emissions‑free operation, is well suited to Japan’s geographic and regulatory landscape. With vertical takeoff capability, the aircraft can operate from compact urban sites, opening routes that bypass ground congestion and reduce the need for new airport infrastructure.

“Japan is one of the most forward‑thinking markets in the world when it comes to urban mobility,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Joby’s founder and CEO. “By partnering with ANA, we can pair our aircraft technology with one of the most trusted airline brands to deliver a safe, seamless passenger experience.”

Combining Strengths: Joby’s Aircraft and ANA’s Operational Expertise

The joint venture will integrate Joby’s manufacturing and aircraft technology with ANA’s deep knowledge of airline operations, regulatory compliance, and customer service. ANA has been actively exploring AAM opportunities, forming working groups with government agencies and urban planners to prepare for commercial eVTOL deployments.

For Joby, the partnership offers an established platform for scaling outside the U.S. The company will leverage ANA’s relationships with Japanese regulators and municipal governments to accelerate flight approvals and route development.

“This is a marriage of innovation and operational excellence,” said Koji Shibata, ANA Holdings president. “Together, we intend to build a fully integrated service — not just flying vehicles, but a complete mobility network.”

Building an Ecosystem, Not Just Aircraft

Joby and ANA plan to go beyond supplying aircraft to operators. The joint venture will oversee everything from route planning and vertiport development to customer booking platforms. By taking direct responsibility for the entire passenger experience, the partners aim to ensure that eVTOL services launch with airline‑level reliability and safety.

This approach mirrors Joby’s strategy in the U.S., where it has announced plans to operate its own air taxi service rather than simply sell aircraft. Analysts believe this vertically integrated model could help maintain service quality during early deployment, when passenger confidence and regulatory scrutiny will be highest.

Certification and Regulatory Pathway

Joby is targeting type certification of its eVTOL aircraft with the FAA in 2025 and is simultaneously working with Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) to align certification standards. Japan’s regulators have signaled openness to harmonizing with U.S. and European authorities to speed the approval process for AAM platforms.

ANA’s long history of meeting rigorous safety requirements will be crucial in navigating these regulatory pathways. The airline is expected to handle much of the operational certification work, while Joby provides the aircraft and associated digital infrastructure.

Industry observers say Japan could become one of the first countries outside the U.S. to approve commercial eVTOL operations, given its clear government policy direction and funding support for urban air mobility projects.

Market Potential and Economic Impact

Analysts estimate that Japan’s urban air mobility market could generate billions of dollars annually once eVTOL services are fully operational. The combination of high population density, strong demand for premium transport, and supportive government policy creates an ideal environment for early adoption.

Routes connecting central Tokyo to Haneda Airport or Yokohama, or linking Osaka’s business districts to Kansai International Airport, are among the likely early targets. These trips could be cut from more than an hour by car to less than 15 minutes by eVTOL aircraft.

The joint venture could also support regional connectivity in Japan’s more remote areas, offering rapid transport links for island communities or mountainous regions where ground infrastructure is limited.

Competitive Landscape

Joby’s move comes as other eVTOL developers, including Germany’s Volocopter and U.S.‑based Archer Aviation, are also eyeing Japan for early service launches. Volocopter has already partnered with Japan Airlines for flight demonstrations, while other local startups are pursuing government funding to develop homegrown solutions.

However, Joby’s partnership with ANA gives it a significant advantage in operational credibility and customer access. As Japan’s largest airline group, ANA can provide immediate integration with domestic travel networks and loyalty programs, helping to attract early passengers who are already familiar with the brand.

“This isn’t just about flying taxis,” said aviation consultant Graham Warwick. “It’s about who can deliver a complete, safe, and reliable service on day one. Joby teaming with ANA gives them an edge in proving that eVTOL can scale like a real airline product.”

Infrastructure and Public Acceptance

Beyond aircraft certification, one of the biggest hurdles to launching eVTOL services is building the necessary infrastructure. Vertiports — compact takeoff and landing pads with charging facilities — must be strategically located and approved by local authorities.

ANA’s experience in airport operations and Joby’s focus on quiet, neighborhood‑friendly aircraft design may help overcome these barriers. Public acceptance will also be critical. The companies plan to work closely with communities to ensure that new routes minimize noise, visual impact, and safety concerns.

“Community engagement will be at the heart of this rollout,” Shibata said. “We’re not just introducing a new technology. We’re introducing a new way of moving people around their cities.”

Where Do We Go From Here?

The joint venture will now begin detailed route studies, vertiport planning, and integration of digital services such as ticketing and ride‑hailing apps. Joby and ANA have not disclosed financial terms of the partnership, but both companies have indicated that commercial operations are targeted for the second half of the decade, in line with Joby’s U.S. launch plans.

The companies also intend to collaborate with local partners, including municipalities and technology firms, to create a robust ecosystem capable of supporting long‑term growth in Japan’s air mobility sector.

Joby Aviation’s partnership with ANA Holdings represents a major step toward making electric air taxis a reality in one of the world’s most promising markets. By combining cutting‑edge aircraft technology with proven airline expertise, the joint venture aims to deliver an air mobility service that is both technologically advanced and operationally reliable.

If successful, the venture could set a global precedent for how eVTOL services are deployed, demonstrating that these aircraft can integrate seamlessly into existing transportation systems while meeting the highest safety standards.

As Joby works to achieve certification and ANA lays the groundwork for commercial operations, Japan could emerge as a global showcase for urban air mobility — and a proving ground for the future of aviation.

Joby Aviation, ANA, eVTOL Air Taxi Services, Japan