Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota and American aviation company Joby Aviation conducted the first air taxi flight in Japan. Joby’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft managed to successfully transport passengers in one of Toyota’s production locations earlier this month.
The first international flight was conducted at the Toyota Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Shizuoka, Japan on 4 November. Within sight of Mount Fuji, the test flight signified the aircraft’s environmental friendliness. The flight was also a homage to the two company’s fruitful, seven-year relationship.
Toyota and Joby Heads Give Congratulations
Joby Founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt commented on the first flight in Japan:
“Our first overseas flight marks a significant milestone on our journey towards making clean air travel an everyday reality. We share Toyota’s vision for the future of mobility and are honored to have had the opportunity to present a glimpse of that future through our flight in Japan.”
Toyota Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Hiroki Nakajima also chimed in on the potential of Joby’s eVTOL vehicles:
“Air mobility has the potential to change our ‘sense of distance and time,’ and open a future with the new option of air mobility that will further enrich the lives of many people.”
Joby’s air taxi can travel up to 200 miles per hour and seat five people in unison, including the pilot. According to Joby, the eVTOL aircrafts also operate with zero carbon emissions and run quieter than most helicopters today.
With Joby’s air taxis planned for service, the company hopes to alleviate land vehicle traffic congestion. The taxis can also give travelers in rural and urban areas more transportation options.
Toyota and Joby’s Aviation Aspirations
In October, Toyota announced it would pledge $500 million into Joby, with a lifetime total of $394 million since 2019. Two tranches make up the new investment. The first tranche is set to deliver some time later in 2024, with the second tranche taking place in 2025.
Prior to the recent investment, Toyota previously invested money in Joby towards the creation of unique powertrains and other components for the American air taxis. Toyota President and CEO Ted Ogawa also joined Joby’s Board of Directors at the start of July 2023.
Earlier in 2024, Joby reached an agreement with Dubai’s road and Transport Authority to operate air taxi services in the United Arab Emirates starting as early as 2026. Joby is also looking to legally fly its eVTOL taxis in the United Kingdom and Australia in the future.
