FutureFlight
FutureFlight Weekly News Roundup
A weekly roundup of significant milestones and achievements from companies and organizations working to transform aviation with new types of aircraft, propulsion systems, flight controls, and business models.
Plana expects its five-seat hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft to enter service in 2028.
Plana expects its five-seat hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft to enter service in 2028. (Image: Plana)

Japan's SkyTaxi Orders 50 Plana eVTOL Aircraft

South Korean advanced air mobility (AAM) start-up Plana has agreed to deliver 50 of its hybrid-electric, four-passenger CP-01 eVTOL aircraft to SkyTaxi, a spinoff of the Japanese taxi operator Daiho Taxi Group. Plana says it will deliver the first 10 aircraft to SkyTaxi in 2030, with another 40 expected to be delivered over the following 10 years. 

According to Plana, SkyTaxi is already training pilots and conducting operational tests in preparation for the launch of air taxi routes connecting Osaka's city centers with Kansai and Kobe airports, as well as sightseeing destinations around Japan. Under the new agreement, Plana and SkyTaxi will collaborate on the development of Plana's aircraft, its interior design, and a concept of operations for air taxi services in Japan.