The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has selected a Japan Airlines-led consortium to participate in phase one of its eVTOL Implementation Project.
The consortium features Archer Aviation’s Midnight aircraft and includes Japan Airlines, Sumitomo Corporation and their joint venture operating company Soracle.
Phase one will assess the market and build the operating ecosystem, leading to planned demonstration flights over Tokyo Bay and river routes.
“The selection of our consortium to be a part of this government approach gives Archer, together with JAL, Sumitomo Corporation and Soracle, an opportunity to help make the promise of urban mobility an everyday reality in Tokyo, the world’s largest city,” said Adam Goldstein, founder and chief executive at Archer.
Takao Suzuki, executive officer and senior vice president of innovation at Japan Airlines, said the airline is honored to work with Tokyo Metropolitan Government and consortium partners on the first phase of the project.
Archer and Soracle announced an alliance in November 2024 to launch air taxi operations in Japan, targeting cities where ground transportation is constrained by traffic or geographic barriers. According to Archer, the selection recognizes the partnership developed with Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation through Soracle.
The Santa Clara, California-based company announced an agreement with Korean Air in October that includes the potential purchase of up to 100 Midnight aircraft. Japan Airlines operates a fleet of 232 aircraft serving 395 airports across 68 countries.
Archer is developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and enabling technologies. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
AloJapan.com