Japan Airlines & Sumitomo launch joint venture for aerial taxis in Japan
Soracle, a newly established joint venture between Japan Airlines and Sumitomo, plans to offer electric air taxi services in Japanese cities by purchasing up to 100 Midnight electric air taxis from Stellantis-backed Californian provider Archer Aviation, with a total value of approximately USD 500 million.
The newly formed joint venture Soracle has announced plans to develop a variety of flight routes in “attractive areas for residents as well as domestic and international visitors.” Route locations could include places like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Hokkaido, Setouchi and Okinawa, and the company has issued the eventual aim of establishing a full transportation network.
Archer and Soracle have announced plans to closely work with the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) to obtain the necessary permissions and certifications. Archer and JCAB have already begun discussions and Archer intends to work to certify our aircraft in Japan.
“Japan is widely respected for its forward thinking approach to transportation and this investment into advanced air mobility is yet another example of that,” said Andrew Cummins, Senior Director of Business Development at Archer. “We’re proud to stand with Soracle ahead of this new era of flight—together, we are committed to bringing an innovative, sustainable and convenient transportation alternative to the country.”
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