Toyota-backed flying car firm Joby seeks Japan air certification
2022.10.18 02:10
© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: The Joby Aviation logo is seen outside of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) ahead of their listing in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., August 11, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
TOKYO (Reuters) – Joby Aviation Inc, a U.S. air taxi startup backed by Japanese automaker Toyota Motor (NYSE:) Corp, said on Tuesday it has applied to Japan’s transport ministry for aircraft certification as it prepares to launch urban transportation services.
Joby, in which Toyota has invested $394 million, designs and builds all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The startup in May received certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allowing it to begin commercial air-taxi operations with conventional aircraft.
The California-based startup has more regulatory hurdles to clear in the United States before its five-seater eVTOL aircraft can fly passengers.
