January 1, 2025

ANA Holdings (HD) will start utilizing "flying cars" in the fiscal year 2027

ANA HD will connect central Tokyo to Narita Airport (located in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture) in only 10 to 20 minutes. This will be Japan's first service to charge passengers for rides, with expected fares comparable to those of a taxi. This initiative aims to enhance the city's international competitiveness.

In addition to Narita and the city center, the plan aims to connect the airport to Haneda, as well as link the city center with Yokohama City and Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture. This service will operate on a shared-ride model. Currently, the taxi fare from Haneda to Narita is around 20,000 yen. It is expected to be more affordable than a standard helicopter, which charges over 100,000 yen per hour.

If flying cars become commercially available, people could travel without encountering traffic jams in cities, increasing demand for both business and tourism. Additionally, if rapid travel between Haneda and Narita airports is feasible, the international competitiveness of these airports will improve.

The company plans to start with tours in the city center before expanding into the capital region, which will include airports. To ensure takeoff and landing space, it will partner with Nomura Real Estate Development in the city center and AEON Mall in the suburbs. The strategy involves utilizing facilities managed by Nomura Real Estate Development, the rooftops of AEON Malls, and parking areas.

The service will use a five-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufactured by Joby Aviation, a U.S.-based partner. To operate commercial flights, it is necessary to acquire a "type certificate" for safety assurance.

Joby is close to obtaining a type certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Once it receives this certification in the United States, Joby will also seek certification from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism.