Osaka Chooses Archer Aviation’s Midnight Aircraft for Air Taxi Partnership with Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation

In a major step towards the future of urban air mobility, Osaka has announced a partnership with Archer Aviation, Japan Airlines, and Sumitomo Corporation to bring eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) air taxis to the skies above the bustling metropolis through air taxi service provider, Soracle. This collaboration aims to revolutionize how passengers travel in Japan’s third-largest city, with Archer’s Midnight aircraft taking center stage as the key vehicle for this innovative air taxi service.

“We’re proud of our continued partnership with Soracle, and applaud their latest milestone securing air taxi rights in Osaka. It was an honor to host Minister Nakano and the Japanese delegation this past week, and I look forward to deepening our relationship in the country as we build the foundation for commercial air taxi services in Japan.” – Archer CEO and Founder Adam Goldstein

 “We are honored to announce the partnership agreement with Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City to realize our commercial eVTOL air taxi service in the region. Thanks to Archer’s dedicated and continuous cooperation and support, we are confident that we can achieve this goal and realize the social implementation together with Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City.” –  Soracle CEO Yukihiro Ota

A New Era of Urban Air Mobility in Osaka

Osaka is positioning itself as a hub for cutting-edge transportation technologies, and this partnership will help catapult the city into the future of urban air mobility. The collaboration marks a pivotal moment for Archer Aviation, as it continues to expand its footprint in the growing eVTOL market. The Midnight aircraft, which is designed to be a quiet, efficient, and sustainable solution for short-distance urban flights, will play a critical role in meeting the increasing demand for fast and eco-friendly transport options.

Soracle, the newly minted joint venture between Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation, will focus on developing and operating this air taxi service in Osaka. The partnership brings together significant experience in aviation, manufacturing, and infrastructure development, positioning the project for long-term success in Japan and potentially across the Asia-Pacific region. Soracle plans for demonstration flights of the Archer Midnight in Osaka-Kansai area in 2026, and air taxi service in 2027.

“Osaka Prefecture/City are truly delighted to have signed this partnership agreement on eVTOLs with Soracle. Through the exhibition of eVTOLs at Expo 2025, I believe many visitors and residents of Osaka Prefecture have become interested in traveling freely through the skies in eVTOLs. We will realize this in the Osaka Bay Area by 2027. While we will face many challenges along the way, Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City will cooperate fully with Soracle, as stakeholders, to realize commercial operations by 2027. Our goal is for Osaka to be known as the place where people can ride eVTOLs. Let’s bring about a revolution in air mobility starting from Osaka and Kansai.” – Hirofumi Yoshimura, Governor of Osaka Prefecture

“It is a great pleasure to have concluded this wonderful partnership agreement with Soracle. One of our main goals is to realize the social implementation of eVTOL technologies showcased at Expo 2025 currently being held in Osaka, Kansai. As such, it is very heartening to see Soracle making steady progress toward the goal of beginning commercial operations by 2027. EVTOLs have great potential, not only for tourism, but also for handling emergency medical care and  disasters as described in our partnership agreement. Given Osaka’s location facing the sea, we are confident that the city is well suited for raising public acceptance during the initial phase, and for moving onto early implementation thereafter. Osaka City also has Osakako Vertiport, a dedicated take-off and landing site for  eVTOLs, and I strongly recommend its use. Moving forward, we will work with Osaka Prefecture to support Soracle in achieving commercial operations.” – Hideyuki Yokoyama, Mayor of Osaka City

Archer Aviation

• Based in San Jose, California 🇺🇸
• NYSE: ACHR
• eVTOL and hybrid VTOL manufacturer
  • Archer Midnight eVTOL
    • 1 pilot + 4 passengers
    • up to 150 mph
• Collaborates with Stellantis on implementing advanced manufacturing techniques into aerospace

Soracle

• Headquartered in Chug City, Tokyo 🇯🇵
• Established June 2024
• 50/50 Joint venture between Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation
• 200 million yen in capital
• Representative Directors: Yukihiro Ota and Toshihiro Sasaki
• eVTOL air taxi service provider
• Plans to use Archer Midnight eVTOLs in its fleet
• Stated goal of launching Japan’s first commercial operation of eVTOL

Sumitomo Corporation

• Headquartered in Ōtemachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan 🇯🇵
• Founded on 24th of December 1919
• President and CEO: Shingo Ueno
• Member of Sumitomo Group

Japan Airlines

• Headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo 🇯🇵
• Founded in 1951
• Provides passenger and cargo services to 220 destinations in 35 countries worldwide
• CEO: Mitsuko Tottori
• Chairman: Yuji Akasaka

Archer’s Midnight: The Aircraft at the Heart of the Future

The Midnight eVTOL aircraft, a key player in Archer’s portfolio, is designed for urban environments where conventional aircraft are often impractical. The fully electric aircraft features a vertical takeoff and landing design, meaning it can take off and land in small, confined spaces — an essential attribute for urban air mobility solutions. Capable of traveling at speeds of up to 150 mph and covering distances of approximately 100 miles, the Midnight is ideally suited for connecting key locations across the city, including airports, business districts, and residential areas.

What sets the Midnight apart from some other aircraft is its focus on comfort and practicality. With a capacity for up to four passengers, the aircraft offers an experience comparable to traditional commercial flights but with the convenience of a much faster travel time. This opens up possibilities for air travel that can ease congestion and reduce travel time in one of Japan’s busiest cities.

The Role of Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation

Japan Airlines (JAL), a global leader in aviation, brings decades of expertise in passenger service, operations, and maintenance to the partnership. With its extensive network and reputation for high-quality service, JAL is an ideal partner for the development and scaling of an air taxi operation.

Sumitomo Corporation, a key player in manufacturing, infrastructure, and investment, will assist in the creation of the necessary infrastructure for the air taxi service. Their involvement ensures that the project will benefit from robust, state-of-the-art facilities and systems, enabling efficient operations and maintenance.

Together, the trio of Japan Airlines, Sumitomo Corporation, and Archer is poised to offer an air taxi solution that combines sustainability, convenience, and innovation. The partnership also highlights the broader trend in Japan and Asia, where the demand for electric aviation and urban air mobility is growing rapidly.

Urban Air Mobility: A Bright Future Ahead

The choice of Osaka as the launch city for this eVTOL air taxi service is not accidental. The city’s strategic location and advanced infrastructure make it an ideal testing ground for the technology. With the Japanese government increasingly supportive of urban air mobility initiatives, the timing for this partnership could not be better.

This collaboration aligns with the global trend of investing in eVTOL technology as a way to reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and offer consumers faster, more efficient transportation options. As the Midnight aircraft enters commercial service, it could pave the way for similar ventures in other major cities worldwide.

What’s Next for Archer and the eVTOL Industry?

For Archer Aviation, this partnership represents a significant milestone in its journey toward transforming urban mobility. With its aircraft now set to take flight in Osaka, the company is one step closer to achieving its vision of a world where air taxis are as common as ride-hailing services. Archer’s work with Soracle and its continued advancements in the eVTOL space underscore its commitment to shaping the future of transportation.

As the air mobility landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Osaka as it becomes one of the first cities to integrate air taxis into its urban infrastructure. If successful, this partnership could serve as a model for other cities around the world, accelerating the adoption of eVTOL technology and reshaping how we think about urban travel.

Stay tuned to eVTOL buzz where we provide deep dives and more in-depth insights into the eVTOL industry and Archer Aviation ✈️

More Info:

Osaka Names Japan Airlines’ And Sumitomo Corporation’s JV, Soracle, With Archer’s Midnight Aircraft As Its Air Taxi Partner: click here

Soracle Signs Partnership Agreement with Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City with the Aim of Promoting the Commercialization of eVTOLs — Working Toward the Future, Building on the Legacy of Expo 2025 Initiatives: click here