Flying taxis over Osaka and Kyoto? 15 Japanese firms aim for 2028

Imagine skipping the rush-hour train and flying over Osaka instead. A group of 15 Japanese companies wants to make that real by 2028.

The group is led by MUFG Bank, Japan's largest bank, and includes 14 firms from different industries. Together they plan to develop and launch a commercial air taxi service in the Kansai region in western Japan, including the prefectures of Osaka and Kyoto.

What is planned?

The network is being considered around aircraft made by the startup Skydrive. The companies intend to work out possible routes and estimate how much rides would cost. A commercial launch is targeted for 2028.

Not a sudden idea

Japan has been working towards this for years. In 2018 the government and industry set a roadmap for air mobility, the so-called flying cars, aiming for commercial services in the 2020s. In April 2025, Expo 2025 in Osaka opened with air taxi demonstration flights planned as part of its showcase.

Now the focus shifts from demos to routes, prices and a real service for passengers.