Japan Airlines consortium chosen for Tokyo’s eVTOL project
The consortium led by Japan Airlines has been selected to participate in the first phase of Tokyo’s eVTOL Implementation Project. Archer Aviation confirmed that this group, featuring the Archer Midnight aircraft, was chosen by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to help evaluate market opportunities and build the operational ecosystem for advanced air mobility.
This phase will set the foundation for upcoming demonstration flights over Tokyo Bay and along major river routes, both seen as vital steps toward commercial operations in the coming years. The initiative underscores the strong collaboration between Archer, Japan Airlines, and Sumitomo Corporation through their joint venture, Soracle.
Established in November 2024, Archer and Soracle’s alliance focuses on launching air taxi services in Japan, emphasizing regions where congestion or terrain restricts conventional transport methods.
“We applaud the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s ‘eVTOL Implementation Programme,’” said Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer.
Author’s Summary
A Japan Airlines-led group, including Archer Aviation and Sumitomo, joins Tokyo's first eVTOL project phase to prepare for urban air taxi services and future flights over the city’s waterways.