Joby and ANA Showcase First eVTOL Air Taxi Flight at Osaka Expo 2025

Joby Aviation has successfully conducted a public demonstration flight of its all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the Joby S4, during a preview event for Expo 2025 Osaka, marking a major milestone in Japan’s advanced air mobility journey. The showcase, held in partnership with All Nippon Airways (ANA), represents the first-ever eVTOL flight at a world exposition and a pivotal step toward introducing air taxi services in Japan.

The demonstration featured Joby’s four-passenger, piloted S4 aircraft, which operates with near-silent performance and zero in-flight emissions. Designed for rapid, on-demand urban and regional transportation, the S4 can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour and cover distances of around 150 miles on a single charge. Joby’s display in Osaka underscores Japan’s readiness to integrate next-generation aerial mobility solutions as part of its broader smart transportation initiatives.

Joby and ANA have been collaborating since 2022 to build a comprehensive air taxi ecosystem in Japan. Their partnership focuses on operations, pilot training, ground infrastructure, and customer experience. The two companies plan to deploy more than 100 eVTOL aircraft across major Japanese cities, starting with Tokyo, to connect key urban and suburban locations through fast, sustainable aerial transport.

The Osaka demonstration aligns with Japan’s goal to make urban air mobility a reality by the mid-2020s, with Expo 2025 serving as a global platform to highlight cutting-edge innovations. The event drew government officials, aviation regulators, and industry leaders eager to see how eVTOL technology could transform urban transportation.

Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt described the flight as “a glimpse into the near future of clean, quiet, and accessible air travel.” ANA also expressed enthusiasm about the project, reaffirming its commitment to pioneering sustainable mobility solutions that complement Japan’s public transit network.

As Joby and ANA advance certification and infrastructure development, Japan is positioning itself as a leader in the emerging eVTOL market. The success of the Osaka demo marks an important milestone in realizing the vision of efficient, zero-emission urban air mobility ahead of the global spotlight on Expo 2025.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com