We, Aero Asahi Corp. (AAC), provide emergency medical services, flying cars, air mobility, surveying, aerial laser, and GIS services.

 Aero Asahi Corporation (“AAC”), Japan’s largest general aviation operator, today announced they have begun working with Joby Aviation (“Joby”) to develop an air taxi shuttle service for Toyota related passengers in Japan that will utilize Joby’s revolutionary all-electric aircraft. The proposed service would offer an efficient and clean form of transportation to Toyota-related employees, executives and customers between the various facilities of Toyota activities.

As part of the collaboration, AAC will also explore other future General Aviation applications for Joby’s technology, such as the provision of emergency medical services, building on their strong experience in these fields.

AAC President, Hiroshi Kato, said: “Over the past few decades we have accumulated significant experience in operations, flight control, and maintenance. We are applying this know-how and technology to promote safe, more accessible and carbon-neutral air transportation in Japan that is both convenient and accessible. ”

AAC will continue to improve the eVTOL operating environment at its domestic bases and intends to begin operations once Joby acquires type certification of its aircraft in Japan.

(left: Aero Aasahi Corporation President Hiroshi Kato/ right: Joby Aviation Founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt)

■ ABOUT JOBY's eVTOL

Joby’s five seat, piloted aircraft takes off and lands vertically and is capable of traveling at speeds of up to 200 mph. It is designed to travel up to 150 miles on a single charge and has a radically lower acoustic footprint than today’s alternatives. Joby plans to launch commercial services in the United States in 2025 before launching services in international markets.

(Joby's eVTOL: S4)

■ABOUT AERO ASAHI

AAC(Toyota holds 99.9％ of the shares) has over 60 years of experience with "aviation services" via a fleet of helicopters and business jets, and "spatial information services" with some of the most advanced surveying technology in Japan.

In the aviation business, AAC provides comprehensive aviation services including emergency medical airlifts, cargo transport in mountains and offshore areas, aircraft maintenance, and training of Pilots and Mechanics as the largest general aviation operator in Japan. In the spatial information business, AAC creates and provides highly accurate spatial data by using state-of-the-art surveying technologies (aeronautical laser surveying, mobile mapping, submarine topological surveying, sound and electromagnetic waves etc.) and analytic technologies, contributing to infrastructure projects for roads, waterworks, national municipal land conservation, and administrative support.


■ ABOUT JOBY AVIATION

Joby Aviation is a California-headquartered transportation company promoting the development and commercialization of eVTOL, in which Toyota Motor Corporation announced its investment in January 2020.

Toyota shares its expertise in manufacturing, quality and cost controls for the development and production of Joby Aviation's breakthrough eVTOL aircraft. Founded in 2009, Joby employs around 1,400 people, with offices in Santa Cruz, San Carlos, and Marina, California, as well as Washington, D.C. and Munich, Germany. To learn more, visit www.jobyaviation.com.

※ABOUT eVTOL

eVTOL is designed for short-range, high-frequency operation and suitable for the needs of the flying taxi market ,where on-demand use by commuters, business travelers, and tourists is expected in urban areas. It has elements of helicopters, drones, and small airplanes, and offers superior reliability, environmental friendliness (zero emissions), cruising speed, and quietness. It also offers low operating and maintenance costs and enhanced safety features. Details of the aircraft and the specifics of the collaboration, including production plans, will be announced in due course.