(TAN): ANA Holdings and Joby Aviation are forming a partnership to bring aerial ridesharing services to cities and communities across Japan. Toyota also joined the partnership, with the intention of exploring opportunities such as ground-based transportation.
Joby is a California-based company developing an all-electric, five-seat aircraft that can take off and land vertically (eVTOL). With a maximum range of 150 miles (241 kilometers), a top speed of 200mph (321 kmph) and a low noise profile that will allow it to access built-up areas, Joby’s piloted aircraft is designed to make convenient, emissions-free air travel an everyday reality. For example, the 31-mile (50km) journey from Kansai International Airport to Osaka station could take less than 15 minutes by air rather than one hour by car.
[ALSO READ: Australia launches tourism marketing campaign as it opens borders]
ANA and Joby are set to collaborate on all aspects of establishing this revolutionary new form of transportation in Japan, including the development of infrastructure, pilot training, flight operations, public acceptance, and the regulatory requirements to operate. The integration with ground transportation will also be considered, with Toyota supporting the effort. They will also conduct joint discussions with relevant private companies as well as local and national governments.
Commenting on the partnership and the opportunity presented by the Japanese market, JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO, Joby, said: “Joby exists to help people save time while reducing their carbon footprint. Japan offers us a spectacular opportunity to do just that with 92% of the population living in urban areas and Tokyo registering as one of the top 20 most congested cities in the world.”
[ALSO READ: Africa’s first voco hotel is open in Johannesburg]
Speaking about the opportunity presented by the introduction of aerial ridesharing in Japan, Koji Shibata, representative director and EVP at ANA, said: “ANA has 70 years of experience delivering safe and reliable flights to customers across the world. We’re proud to bring that operational experience to the table as part of this partnership and to be at the forefront of introducing this revolutionary form of transport to Japan. Our customers value efficiency very highly, so being able to provide them with the option to travel rapidly – and sustainably – from an international airport to a downtown location is very appealing.”
