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Japanese Air Taxi Firm SoratobuTaxi Invests in Plana US

Japanese Air Taxi Firm SoratobuTaxi Invests in Plana US to Accelerate eVTOL Operations
Japanese air mobility company SoratobuTaxi, also known as SkyTaxi, has announced a strategic investment in Plana US, a California-based developer specializing in hybrid-electric electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Although the financial details of the investment remain confidential, both firms have highlighted that the partnership will enhance technical collaboration and expedite information exchange. This alliance supports SoratobuTaxi’s broader ambition to introduce eVTOL services throughout Japan.
Partnership Focus and Aircraft Development
Founded in Osaka and led by CEO Takuto Hojo, SoratobuTaxi envisions making air travel as accessible and convenient as ground taxis, aiming to integrate air mobility into everyday transportation. Central to the collaboration with Plana is the development of the CP-01, a hybrid-electric, medium-range eVTOL aircraft designed to carry up to seven passengers, including a pilot, with a range exceeding 500 kilometers (310 miles). Plana is advancing the CP-01’s development in the United States under a “Made in USA” designation as it pursues type certification.
SoratobuTaxi initially revealed plans in June 2023 to acquire up to 50 CP-01 aircraft by 2040. This recent investment further solidifies the partnership, enabling joint efforts in aircraft design, operational planning, and regulatory compliance. SoratobuTaxi has indicated that the investment will also strengthen its business strategy for launching eVTOL operations in Japan.
Industry Challenges and Strategic Positioning
Despite the promising outlook, SoratobuTaxi and Plana face considerable regulatory challenges and intensifying technological competition. The air mobility market is closely monitoring these developments, particularly as competitors such as Archer Aviation accelerate their own initiatives. Archer’s recent acquisition of Hawthorne Airport to support its air taxi operations exemplifies the competitive pressure driving companies to increase research and development efforts and pursue strategic partnerships.
Nonetheless, SoratobuTaxi remains committed to advancing the practical application of medium-range eVTOLs for tourism, regional transportation, and disaster response. The company plans to collaborate with Plana on joint technical and business development initiatives to promote early adoption of eVTOL technology in Japan.
Takuto Hojo, CEO of SoratobuTaxi, emphasized the strategic value of the CP-01, stating, “When considering our goals—transportation for tourists and inbound visitors, and use in business settings—an aircraft that can fly 500 km and carry more than four passengers is supremely attractive. We intend to use Plana’s CP-01 aircraft to provide the on-demand regional air travel that everyone is seeking.”
Braden Kim, founder and CEO of Plana, added, “The investment from SoratobuTaxi, our key partner in Japan, is more than just fundraising; it represents an opportunity to jointly expand the market in the Asia region. By introducing aircraft for inter-regional travel and the tourism industry as a competitive air service in Japan, where rail travel is well-established, we will be able to create a flexible air mobility market.”
As the race to commercialize eVTOL technology intensifies, SoratobuTaxi’s investment in Plana US marks a significant milestone in advancing next-generation air mobility in Japan, even as the industry contends with regulatory and competitive pressures.

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