Archer Aviation and Soracle Corporation, a joint venture newly established by Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation, have signed agreements focused on bringing AAM services to Japan. Soracle plans to launch its operation using Archer’s Midnight aircraft, with the goal of offering electric air taxi flights in cities where existing ground transportation is constrained by traffic or geographic barriers.

To do so, Soracle has obtained the right to place aircraft orders of up to 100 Midnight aircraft, totalling approximately $500 million, which would include pre-delivery payments based on certain milestones in advance of aircraft delivery.

Soracle will develop a variety of flight routes in attractive areas for residents as well as domestic and international visitors in places like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Hokkaido, Setouchi and Okinawa.

Archer and Soracle will work closely with the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) to obtain the necessary permissions and certifications. Archer and JCAB have already begun discussions.

“Japan is widely respected for its forward thinking approach to transportation, and this investment into advanced air mobility is yet another example of that,” says Andrew Cummins, senior director of business development at Archer. “We’re proud to stand with Soracle ahead of this new era of flight; together, we are committed to bringing an innovative, sustainable and convenient transportation alternative to the country.”

“Through the operation of eVTOL aircraft, Soracle aims to enrich lives and society by creating more accessible air transportation services in Japan. We will provide safe and reliable services to passengers by making the most of the wealth of knowledge we have accumulated at Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation,” adds Yukihiro Ota, chief executive officer at Soracle. “This announcement is a first step towards making the future we envision a reality.”

As a first step towards commercialising AAM services in Japan, Archer and Soracle plan to conduct a public flight demonstration at the World Expo to build public support, demonstrate the future of aviation and accelerate stakeholder’s engagement. The Expo is anticipated to be one of the most significant global events of the year, expecting around 28 million visitors from Japan, the US and other countries over its six-month duration. The Expo will provide numerous touchpoints for potential customers and passengers to experience the parties’ vision, aligning perfectly with the Expo’s theme of ‘Future Society Showcase’.