US startup Joby Aviation Inc. said Monday that it has formed a partnership with Japanese airline ANA Holdings Inc. to start aerial ride-sharing service in Japan.

Joby Aviation is a California-based developer of an all-electric, five-seat vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a top speed of 321 kilometers per hour and a maximum range of 241 kilometers, according to the company.

The two companies are set to collaborate in pilot training, building infrastructure, flight operations and air traffic management.

Using the eVTOL aircraft, a flight between Kansai International Airport and Osaka Station, both in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, would take less than 15 minutes, compared with about an hour by car.

The involvement of the leading Japanese airline in the eVTOL business is expected to intensify competition over aerial ride-sharing services.

ANA is proud to be “at the forefront of introducing this revolutionary form of transport to Japan,” Koji Shibata, executive vice president who is the next president and CEO of the company, said in a statement.

“Our customers value efficiency very highly, so being able to provide them with the option to travel rapidly–and sustainably–from an international airport to a downtown location is very appealing,” Shibata said.

Joby Aviation, which has been aiming to put the aircraft into commercial use in 2024, has not announced when the service will start in Japan.

The Osaka prefectural government and others aim to realize such a flying car service in time for the 2025 World Expo in the city of Osaka.

Toyota Motor Corp., one of shareholders of Joby Aviation, also joined the partnership with the intention of exploring opportunities such as ground transportation, according to the U.S. company.

JIJI Press