Joby Aviation, backed by Toyota, has taken a significant step forward in urban air mobility by successfully conducting its first electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) test flight in Japan. The event, held in Shizuoka, marks the first international flight for Joby’s air taxi, previously tested only in the U.S., and brings the once-futuristic idea of flying taxis into clearer focus.
The potential of these eVTOL vehicles could be game-changing for regional travel, with routes like Tokyo to Shizuoka taking just 25 minutes by air significantly faster than the traditional two hour car journey. Joby’s eVTOL taxis could reduce travel time drastically and potentially transform commuting in and around Japan’s major cities.
Toyota’s partnership with Joby has been instrumental in bringing these developments to Japan. Toyota initially invested $394 million in Joby, offering not only financial backing but also critical engineering expertise and manufacturing support. Last month, Toyota announced an additional $500 million investment in Joby, allocated to ramping up the certification and manufacturing processes needed to bring the air taxis closer to widespread use. This support also includes a manufacturing agreement designed to streamline the production of these innovative flying vehicles.
Joby’s progress is bolstered by an impressive lineup of global partners, including Uber, Delta Air Lines, and ANA. Delta Air Lines, which invested $60 million in Joby last year, holds a 2% stake in the firm, reinforcing the eVTOL developer’s position among major players eager to expand into air taxi services. This partnership is particularly promising as it represents an alignment of traditional air carriers with cutting-edge urban air mobility, marking a milestone for the industry’s potential.
The eVTOL industry is a rapidly evolving and competitive field. Joby ranked fourth in the August 2024 Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Reality Index, an evaluation that assesses companies’ progress in the space. Currently, Joby trails behind Volocopter, EHang, and Beta Technologies but ranks higher than Boeing’s Wisk, which placed eighth.
While Joby is making strides with reliable investment and rapid progress, other eVTOL players are facing challenges. Germany’s Lilium, for example, is reportedly dealing with potential insolvency, while the UK-based Vertical Aerospace is facing cash flow issues.
These challenges highlight the volatility and capital intensity of the eVTOL sector, setting Joby apart as one of the industry’s more stable contenders.
Joby plans to launch commercially within the next year, possibly as early as this year, provided it can clear regulatory hurdles. The company is currently working toward certification from Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), a vital step in transitioning from test flights to operational air taxi services. Joby’s successful exhibition in Japan offers a glimpse into a future where air taxis might reshape the landscape of urban travel, reducing congestion, and unlocking new possibilities for transportation.
