Press Release

Joint Press Release

November 5, 2025
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.
Sumitomo Corporation
Soracle Corporation

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President and Group CEO: Mitsuko Tottori; hereinafter “JAL”), Sumitomo Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and CEO: Shingo Ueno; hereinafter “Sumitomo Corporation”), and Soracle Corporation (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yukihiro Ota; hereinafter “Soracle”) (*1) have been selected as implementing entities for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “eVTOL Implementation Project” Phase I (hereinafter “the Project”)(*2) as part of the consortium of nine companies led by JAL (hereafter “the Consortium”).(*3)

The above image is for illustrative purposes only

The Project represents a crucial step toward realizing the commercial flights of eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft) in urban areas of Tokyo by 2030. By strengthening public-private collaboration, the consortium aims to address challenges and promote initiatives for the “Revolution in Urban Air Mobility” in Tokyo.

Project Activities
Over the three years starting from 2025, the Project will proceed through stages of “desktop studies,” “demonstration flights,” and “promotion of pre-social implementation.” The consortium will conduct flights in the Tokyo Bay area and over river zones, envisaging access to the airport under the public-private partnership.

The Project involves establishing the operational environment (e.g., securing and maintaining takeoff/landing sites and bases, adjusting control and communication systems), providing operational support, and conducting evaluation and verification. The goal is to prepare favorable eVTOL business conditions in advance, as full-scale social implementation begins.

JAL, Sumitomo Corporation, and Soracle, together with the other consortium companies, will work collaboratively under the public-private partnership support of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to realize the “revolution in air mobility.” The aim is to create a new transportation method utilizing low-altitude airspace and to provide new value to airports.

Note
(*1) Soracle Corporation is a joint venture company founded in 2024 by Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation, focusing on eVTOL operations
*2) Flying Car Implementation Project Phase I (Translation feature availablee on this page)
(*３) Consortium of nine companies led by JAL as the representative organization (Japanese Only)