Tokyo Lays Out Plan For Electric Air Taxis By 2030

The Tokyo metropolitan government has laid out a plan to introduce commercial urban air taxi service by 2030, with Archer Aviation, Joby Aviation and SkyDrive participating in a pilot project.

The first phase of the “Flying Car Implementation Project” is planned to run from 2025 to 2027, leaders indicated on Oct. 23. In the initial phase the city government says it plans to conduct desktop studies and demonstration flights, secure and develop takeoff and landing sites and bases, adjust control and communication systems, and promote the concept to the public.

The goal is to create “a situation where businesses can quickly develop their businesses after the project is completed,” according to officials. The local government says it will also provide financial support and help coordinate the project.

Demonstrations will include flights over Tokyo Bay and river routes, Archer Aviation indicated on Nov. 4. That U.S.-based electric-vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) company is partnered with Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corp. through a joint venture eVTOL operating company called Soracle.

U.S.-based eVTOL developer Joby Aviation, as well as Japan-based SkyDrive, are partnered with Nomura Real Estate Development.