JAPAN WILL HAVE FLYING TAXI SOON

Japan's largest airline group ANA Holdings and US startup Joby Aviation, which specializes in making electric aircraft, said on February 15 that the two companies will cooperate to bring flying taxi services to Japan.

In a joint statement, ANA Holdings – parent company of All Nippon Airways – and Joby Aviation said the two companies will collaborate on flight operations, air traffic management, infrastructure development and pilot training for flying taxis. 

Joby Aviation aims to launch its flying taxi service in 2024. The company is developing a fully electric, five-seat aircraft that can take off and land vertically with a maximum range of 5km and a top speed of 241km/h. 

Offering customers the option of fast and reliable travel from an international airport to a central location is a very attractive idea, said ANA Holdings executive vice president Koji Shibata. 

Earlier in 2020, Japanese automaker Toyota said it had invested $394 million in Joby Aviation to share its expertise in auto manufacturing and electrification technology to help mass produce electric aircraft.