Aviation News – Joby Aviation and ANA Holdings have begun public air taxi demonstrations at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, showcasing the future of urban air mobility in front of a global audience.
The collaboration marks the world’s first public flight of an electric air taxi at a major world expo. Joby Aviation, a U.S.-based developer of all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, partnered with Japan’s ANA Holdings (ANA HD) to advance the nation’s emerging air taxi ecosystem. The demonstration, held on September 30, 2025, launches a new phase in their joint effort to introduce air taxi services across Japan. Over the 13-day showcase, Joby plans to perform more than 20 flights.
The flight demonstration featured Joby’s aircraft performing a vertical takeoff, a full transition to wingborne flight, and a smooth vertical landing—mirroring what future passenger operations will look like. The initiative supports Japan’s long-term vision to integrate advanced air mobility into its national transportation network and aligns with Expo 2025’s theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
“Japan has led the world in transforming ground transportation with its world-class automotive industry and iconic bullet trains. Now, Japan is poised to lead the world again, this time in the air,” said JoeBen Bevirt, CEO and founder of Joby Aviation. “With these flights and our world-class partners, we’re now positioned to engage communities, collaborate with regulators, and make our dream a reality.”
The demonstrations represent a crucial step toward commercial air taxi operations, which are expected to enhance urban connectivity and reduce congestion in major cities. Following the Expo, Joby and ANA plan to expand testing, regulatory engagement, and infrastructure development to prepare for public service launches in the coming years.
As Japan embraces electric air mobility, the Osaka showcase underscores how innovation and collaboration can redefine sustainable transport. The event signals not only the start of a new aviation era in Japan but also a global milestone for advanced air mobility adoption.
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