Developers of eVTOL Aircraft in Japan Step Up Efforts to Commercialize as Global Market Takes Off
NAGOYA — Developers of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft based in the Tokai region are stepping up efforts toward commercial rollout as their focus shifts to securing operational certifications and establishing mass-production frameworks.
Nagoya, Japan — Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developers in the Tokai region are rapidly intensifying their efforts towards commercial deployment. Their focus is now on obtaining operational certifications and setting up mass production frameworks. The technology has already demonstrated its capabilities through test flights at events like the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.
Toyota Motor Corp. has recently entered into a joint venture with U.S.-based Joby Aviation Inc. to handle manufacturing. The partnership will see Toyota investing $1.02 million (approximately ¥160 million) and Joby contributing $980,000. By leveraging Toyota's "Toyota Production System," the joint venture aims to streamline production, minimize defects, and increase efficiency. The new commercial aircraft manufacturer will be 51% owned by Toyota and 49% by Joby.
Toyota's interest in aerial mobility traces back to 1925, when the company's founder, Sakichi Toyoda, offered a prize for the development of a battery capable of powering a nonstop flight across the Pacific. The joint venture with Joby is a significant step in Toyota's plan to realize the future of mobility.
Meanwhile, SkyDrive Inc., founded by former Toyota engineers and based in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, is also making progress towards commercial eVTOL flights. The company has initiated discussions with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regarding the safety standards for their aircraft and has conducted successful demonstration flights in Tokyo and Yamaguchi Prefecture. SkyDrive plans to achieve commercial operations by 2028.
As of August 21, Japan's Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry has accepted five applications for type certification of eVTOLs, including bids from Joby and SkyDrive. This competitive environment sets the stage for a race between domestic and foreign developers to bring eVTOL technology to the market. Japan's government has set a goal for the eVTOL sector to capture around ¥150 billion of the global market by 2040, under the country's Growth Strategy endorsed by the Cabinet in July.
Written by urgent.news from The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
