Japan’s Soratobu Taxi (also known as SkyTaxi) reports it has completed an investment in PLANA US, , headquartered in California, USA.
“While the investment amount is undisclosed, this investment further strengthens the relationship between the two companies, establishing a system for more accurate and timely sharing of PLANA’s development progress and technical information,” said SkyTaxi in a press release. “This foundation allows Soratobu Taxi Co., Ltd. to formulate and promote a more certain and realistic business plan for its eVTOL operations within Japan.
“PLANA is an advanced mobility company developing a hybrid-electric, medium-range eVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft, which has garnered global attention for its long range and high operational efficiency. Soratobu Taxi Co., Ltd. previously announced on June 2023, its plan to purchase up to 50 PLANA hybrid eVTOL aircraft by 2040. This recent investment enables closer cooperation in areas such as aircraft specifications, operational design, and regulatory compliance.
“PLANA, originally founded in Korea, is an eVTOL manufacturer that has been developing its own designed and planned eVTOL aircraft. A key feature of their aircraft, the PLANA CP-01, is its ability to achieve an air range of over 500 km (310 miles) and carry up to seven people, including the pilot. The company began its activities in the United States this year, conducting aircraft development under the “Made in USA” designation to facilitate the attainment of Type Certification. Soratobu Taxi Co., Ltd. had previously maintained a close collaborative relationship with PLANA’s Korean Corporation, but decided on this investment to further support PLANA’s vision of transferring all major business and development activities to the United States.”
Soratobu Taxi says it will deepen its technical and business collaboration with PLANA and accelerate efforts toward social implementation in fields such as local government services, tourism, and disaster relief. The two companies will jointly move forward with the goal of achieving the early practical use of medium-range eVTOLs in Japan and establishing an extremely qualified and safe aerial mobility network.
For more information
https://skytaxi.co.jp/