eVTOL Aircraft Likely to Use Streamlined Approval Process for US/Japanese Certification

Joby Aviation has announced their application to the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) for the validation of an FAA type certification for their electric VTOL aircraft. 

The move comes right after US regulators confirmed a streamlined approval process for US applicants to validate their designs in Japan. The move sets up the company to hit the ground running with their future launch of an aerial ridesharing service using its 5-seat, piloted multirotor fixed wing aircraft. Type certification will need to be completed at home before translating to Japanese approval, meaning the outcome of the process will likely remain pending until Joby nears service in the USA. 

Joby's ties in the country go back to 2018, when they signed Toyota as a strategic partner that has been involved in designing the manufacturing processes required for high-volume production. Toyota is the largest of Joby's outside investors, having nearly $400 million in the company. Earlier this year, Joby entered into a partnership with ANA Holdings, the largest Japanese airline, as well as attaining membership in the Public-Private Conference for the Future Air Mobility Revolution. Joby's moves make sense, given the country's friendly environment towards next-gen aerial mobility and drone tech.

“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," said JoeBen Bevirt, CEO of Joby. 

“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. 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.”

FMI: www.jobyaviation.com