ANA Holdings is pushing into urban air mobility with plans to start Japan’s first flying taxi service linking Tokyo’s major airports by fiscal 2027, Nikkei reported.
The service will connect Narita International Airport to central Tokyo in 10-20 minutes, with fares comparable to traditional taxi rates of around 20,000 yen ($127). This undercuts current helicopter transfers that cost upward of 100,000 yen per hour.
The airline will deploy five-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from U.S.-based Joby Aviation. The battery-powered vehicles promise quieter operation than conventional aircraft and helicopters, with zero emissions during flight. Operating costs are estimated at $95 per 25-minute trip.
ANA is partnering with Nomura Real Estate Development and Aeon to secure landing sites at rooftops and parking lots. Additional routes are planned between central Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura.
The timeline hinges on Joby obtaining safety certifications from U.S. and Japanese regulators. The project faces hurdles including new safety standards for electric aircraft and unresolved regulations around pilot licensing.
Japan would become the third country to offer commercial eVTOL services after UAE and U.S., where Joby plans Dubai operations by late 2025. The Toyota-backed startup completed its first Japanese test flight in October.
