Joby Aviation and ANA Holdings Launch Air Taxi Revolution in Japan
1. Successful Public Flight Demonstration Kicks Off Next Phase
On September 30, 2025, Joby Aviation Inc. (NYSE: JOBY) and ANA Holdings (ANA HD) made headlines with a groundbreaking public flight demonstration of Joby’s electric air taxi at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. This event, the first of its kind at a world expo, showcased Joby’s innovative air taxi capabilities, marking a significant milestone in the development of a national air taxi ecosystem in Japan.
A Historic Flight
The flight demonstration included a vertical takeoff, a full transition to wingborne flight, and a vertical landing, highlighting the advanced technology behind Joby’s aircraft. Over the next 13 days, Joby plans to conduct more than 20 flights, providing both exposure and data crucial for the future of air travel in Japan.
JoeBen Bevirt, CEO and founder of Joby, expressed his enthusiasm for Japan’s potential to lead in aerial transportation. “Japan has led the world in transforming ground transportation with its world-class automotive industry and iconic bullet trains. Now, Japan is poised to lead the world again, this time in the air,” he stated.
Collaboration with Local Partners
Koji Shibata, President and CEO of ANA HD, emphasized the importance of collaboration with government officials and private-sector partners in building a safe, next-generation aerial ecosystem. “Joby’s air taxi demonstration flight at the Expo represents a significant step toward bringing our air taxi service to life in Japan,” Shibata remarked.
The partnership between Joby and ANA HD aims to create a comprehensive air taxi network that includes vertiports, pilot training programs, and aircraft maintenance support, with a phased rollout beginning in Tokyo.
Engaging Communities and Regulatory Framework
The flight demonstrations are not just about showcasing technology; they are also a vital step in gaining public acceptance of air taxis. The data collected during these flights will be instrumental in collaborating with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) to develop regulatory pathways for advanced air mobility.
Joby’s aircraft, which boasts an all-electric design and can carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h), is positioned as a fast, clean alternative to ground transportation. This innovation promises to significantly reduce travel times, cutting hour-long car rides to mere minutes, while simultaneously alleviating urban congestion and minimizing noise and air pollution.
The Future of Air Mobility in Japan
With an estimated 200,000 visitors expected daily at the Expo 2025, Joby’s flight demonstration serves as a platform to showcase the future of air mobility. The company’s strong connections in Japan, including a key investment from Toyota, further bolster its position in the market.
As Joby and ANA HD continue to advance their plans for an air taxi ecosystem, the collaboration reflects a broader trend in transportation innovation that combines cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices. This partnership signifies a crucial step towards realizing the dream of urban air mobility, positioning Japan as a leader in this emerging sector.
Conclusion
The successful demonstration of Joby's air taxi at Expo 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of transportation in Japan. With the ongoing support of ANA Holdings and other partners, Joby is poised to revolutionize how people travel, paving the way for a future where air taxis become a commonplace mode of transport. The journey has just begun, and the skies may soon become the new highways of Japan.
