Joby applies for Japanese certification

Joby Aviation has applied for certification with the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB).

The applications comes in the wake of Japanese and US regulatory authorities confirming they have reached an agreement to deliver a “streamlined approval process” for US applicants who wish to validate their eVTOL designs in Japan.

Joby plans to use its five-seat, piloted eVTOL aircraft to connect people and cities, but validation with JCAB is a necessity in order to launch. The application is believed to be the first of its type.

JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO, Joby, said: “We’re incredibly excited about the potential for electric aerial ridesharing to offer a new form of clean and affordable urban and regional connectivity across Japan. With 92% of residents living in urban areas, we have a spectacular opportunity to save people time in congested cities like Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka while also reducing their impact on the environment.

Joby has ties with Japan — Toyota came onboard as a strategic partner in 2018 with nearly $400m invested to date. Earlier this year, Joby also partnered with ANA Holdings, Japan’s largest airline. The firm is also a member of Japan’s Public-Private Conference for the Future Air Mobility Revolution.

Bevirt added: “We strongly believe that a collaborative approach to regulation helps to foster greater safety and, by working hand-in-hand on certification, Japan and the U.S. are ensuring that both countries continue to play a leading role in the adoption of climate-friendly transportation.”