Toyota and Joby complete first air taxi flight in Japan

Joby's air taxi can reach 320 km/h, generating a fraction of the noise of a helicopter and without polluting emissions.

Published: November 5, 2024

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This week, Toyota Motor Corporation and Joby Aviation made history in air mobility by completing the first-ever air taxi demonstration flight in Japan . The demonstration took place at Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Shizuoka, with Mount Fuji as a backdrop. The event celebrated Joby’s progress in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology and the collaboration the two companies have strengthened for nearly seven years.

Toyota boosts air taxi in Japan with $500 million investment

Toyota is reaffirming its commitment to emission-free mobility by collaborating with Joby to develop commercial aircraft that are zero-emission, efficient and suitable for both urban and rural areas. The recent demonstration of the air taxi, which can carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 320 km/h , was an opportunity to highlight its environmental advantages. Unlike conventional helicopters, Joby’s eVTOL promises a minimal noise footprint and zero emissions, ideal for urban and suburban transport.

Hiroki Nakajima, Toyota’s chief technology officer, commented: “Air mobility has the potential to transform our perception of time and distance.” To support the certification and production of these aircraft, Toyota announced an additional investment of $500 million , bringing its total investment in Joby to $894 million.

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Joby Air Taxi at Toyota Higashi-Fuji Technical Center. Source: Toyota

An alliance that promotes emission-free transport

Toyota and Joby have worked closely together on the development of this air taxi , leveraging Toyota’s expertise in automotive technology and mass production to create an innovative and environmentally friendly propulsion system. The agreement includes Toyota providing key components and support for production , taking a significant step towards commercializing this technology.

With Toyota’s support and the consolidation of this alliance, Joby Aviation plans to integrate its air taxis into the Japanese market , addressing congestion challenges in urban areas and offering environmentally friendly transportation alternatives. The success of this test also suggests a future where air mobility is available to citizens, thus addressing transportation needs while minimizing environmental impact.