Soratobu Taxi, a Japanese air transport operator, has completed an investment in California-based electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft developer PLANA US.
The investment amount was not disclosed. Soratobu Taxi, also known as SkyTaxi, is based in Osaka, Japan.
The investment strengthens the relationship between the two companies. The partnership establishes a system for more accurate and timely sharing of PLANA’s development progress and technical information, according to Soratobu Taxi.
This foundation allows Soratobu Taxi to formulate a more certain business plan for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) operations within Japan. PLANA is developing a hybrid-electric, medium-range eVTOL aircraft.
The aircraft has garnered attention for its range and operational efficiency. Soratobu Taxi announced in June 2023 its plan to purchase up to 50 PLANA hybrid eVTOL aircraft by 2040.
The recent investment enables closer cooperation in areas including aircraft specifications, operational design and regulatory compliance. PLANA was originally founded in Korea.
The company is now an eVTOL manufacturer developing its own designed aircraft in the USA. A key feature of the aircraft is the PLANA CP-01’s ability to achieve a range of over 310 miles (500km) and carry up to seven people, including the pilot.
PLANA began its activities in the United States this year. The company is conducting aircraft development under the “Made in USA” designation to facilitate attainment of Type Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Soratobu Taxi previously maintained a close collaborative relationship with PLANA’s Korean operation. The operator decided on this investment to support PLANA’s vision of transferring all major business and development activities to the United States.
The companies plan to deepen technical and business collaboration. Soratobu Taxi aims to accelerate efforts toward implementation in fields including local government services, tourism and disaster relief.
The two companies will work toward achieving early use of medium-range eVTOLs in Japan. The goal is to establish an aerial mobility network in the country.
The PLANA hybrid eVTOL aircraft is equipped with a series hybrid power management system. The system simultaneously operates a certified turbogenerator and a battery system.
The aircraft can carry up to six passengers and is operated by a single pilot. The system leverages Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) and Simplified Vehicle Operation (SVO) technology.
The aircraft has a service range of over 300 miles (482km) on a single refueling. The maximum speed is over 217mph (350km/h).
The all-electric propulsion system reduces noise to one-hundredth the level of a helicopter, according to PLANA. As a hybrid aircraft, it can utilize existing infrastructure such as helicopter pads.
Takuto Hojo, CEO of Soratobu Taxi, said, “When considering our goals—transportation for tourists and inbound visitors, and use in business settings—an aircraft that can fly 310 miles and carry more than four passengers is supremely attractive.” He added that the company intends to use PLANA’s CP-01 aircraft to provide on-demand regional air travel.
Braden Kim, founder and CEO of PLANA, said, “The investment from Soratobu Taxi, our key partner in Japan, is more than just fundraising.” He added that by introducing aircraft for inter-regional travel and the tourism industry as an air service in Japan, where rail travel is well-established, the company will be able to create a flexible aerial mobility market.
