Toyota-backed flying car firm Joby seeks Japan air certification

TOKYO: Joby Aviation Inc, a US air taxi startup backed by Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp, said today it has applied to Japan's transport ministry for aircraft certification as it prepares to launch urban transportation services.

Joby, in which Toyota has invested US$394 million, designs and builds all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The startup in May received certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allowing it to begin commercial air-taxi operations with conventional aircraft.

The California-based startup has more regulatory hurdles to clear in the United States before its five-seater eVTOL aircraft can fly passengers.