Japanese airline to launch flying car business in Japan

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Japanese airline to launch flying car business in Japan

TOKYO - Avolon Holdings has partnered with Irish aircraft leasing company Avolon Holdings to launch a flying car business in Japan.

Under the terms of the deal, JAL will have the right to lease or purchase up to 50 eVTOL, or electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The machines are being developed by U.K. - based Vertical Aerospace Group.

The partnership also includes an option for JAL to purchase additional eVTOL aircraft.

JAL also announced that it has placed an order with German air taxi startup Volocopter for up to 100 flying cars and drones. Last year the German carrier bought a stake in the Japanese company, which manufactures flying cars and other equipment.

The Japanese company aims to review the aircraft before offering flights at the World Expo in Osaka in 2025 and elsewhere.

JAL plans to offer a passenger transportation service using flying cars, with the goal of fiscal 2025, taking advantage of its expertise in air transport. The airline has already begun a passenger transportation service connecting airports with tourist destinations in western Japan, in Mie Prefecture, to try out the business model and flight routes. The company hopes the business will become an alternative to taxis and other traditional forms of transportation.

The Japanese government is working on regulations for flying cars for use in intercity transportation in the 2030 s. Rival ANA Holdings aims to launch similar services in fiscal 2025.