Soracle, a joint venture between Japan Airlines (JAL) and Sumitomo Corporation, has partnered with Archer Aviation to bring electric air taxis to the country.
Under the agreement, Soracle secures the option to purchase up to 100 Archer Midnight eVTOL aircraft, valued at approximately $500 million. The aircraft are designed for short urban hops, with speeds of up to 150 mph, reduced noise, and rapid turnaround between flights.
Planned routes include key Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Hokkaido, Setouchi, and Okinawa. If certified by Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), the initiative could mark a pivotal moment in Japan’s advanced air mobility (AAM) development.