Osaka Selects Soracle and Archer Aviation’s Midnight Aircraft to Pioneer Air Taxi Services
Archer Aviation Inc, a leading U.S. manufacturer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, announced today that its partner Soracle, a joint venture formed by Japan Airlines (JAL) and Sumitomo Corporation, has been chosen to spearhead the introduction of air taxi services in the Osaka Prefecture. This landmark decision positions Archer as the only American eVTOL company officially involved in building Japan’s emerging urban air mobility network, marking a major milestone in the global race toward sustainable aviation solutions.
A Critical Step Toward Urban Air Mobility in Osaka
Soracle has reached agreements with both Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City to begin laying the groundwork for a comprehensive air taxi ecosystem that integrates seamlessly with the city’s existing transport infrastructure. Central to this effort will be the deployment of Archer’s flagship Midnight aircraft, which has been designed specifically for urban air mobility use cases such as short-distance intercity and intracity travel.
By designating Soracle as the key partner, Osaka is taking an important step toward establishing the operational, regulatory, and social frameworks needed to bring air taxi flights into everyday life. These agreements are not only about technology adoption but also about ensuring community acceptance, safety, and environmental compatibility. With a commitment to quiet, zero-emission, and cost-effective transportation, Soracle’s plans align closely with Osaka’s broader vision of sustainable urban development.
Building on a Strategic Alliance
The Osaka announcement follows the foundation laid in November 2024, when Archer and Soracle unveiled their strategic alliance to jointly launch eVTOL operations across Japan. That agreement established a framework for cooperation in areas ranging from aircraft procurement and fleet operations to public engagement and regulatory approvals.
The shared objective is to identify cities and regions in Japan where conventional ground transportation faces limitations—whether due to dense traffic congestion, geographic barriers such as mountains or water, or limited connectivity between suburban and urban centers—and provide a faster, cleaner, and more efficient alternative through electric air taxis.
As part of its early outreach, Archer and Soracle showcased the Midnight aircraft at the Osaka Kansai World Expo, providing the public and government officials a first-hand look at the vehicle that could soon redefine regional air travel. The display highlighted how eVTOL technology can integrate into Japan’s multimodal transportation ecosystem, which already includes advanced rail systems, subways, and aviation networks.
Japan’s Legacy of Transportation Innovation
Japan is globally recognized for pioneering innovations in mass transportation. From the groundbreaking launch of the Shinkansen high-speed rail in the 1960s to its continuous investment in state-of-the-art aviation and logistics infrastructure, the country has consistently embraced new technologies to enhance mobility and economic development.
The move toward eVTOL air taxis represents a natural extension of this legacy. With rapid urbanization, environmental sustainability goals, and increasing demands for flexible mobility solutions, Japan is positioning itself at the forefront of the next transportation revolution. Osaka’s decision to partner with Soracle and Archer underscores its intent to be among the first cities worldwide to implement fully operational air taxi services.
Government Engagement and Support
Highlighting the seriousness of Japan’s commitment to eVTOL adoption, a high-level Japanese delegation recently visited Archer’s headquarters in California. The group included Hiromasa Nakano, Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, representatives from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau, and the Consul General of Japan in San Francisco.
During the visit, Archer’s leadership team provided updates on aircraft development, certification efforts, and commercialization plans. The discussions centered on how U.S.-based technology and Japanese operational expertise could come together to accelerate the safe rollout of air taxi services across Japan.
Such government engagement is crucial for the eVTOL industry, which requires new regulatory frameworks, air traffic management systems, and safety standards to ensure the successful integration of low-altitude aircraft into existing airspace. Japan’s proactive involvement demonstrates that policymakers are prepared to work hand in hand with private sector innovators like Archer and Soracle to make commercial operations a reality.
Statements from Leadership
Archer CEO and Founder Adam Goldstein expressed his enthusiasm about the progress:
“We’re proud of our continued partnership with Soracle, and applaud their latest milestone securing air taxi rights in Osaka. It was an honor to host Minister Nakano and the Japanese delegation this past week, and I look forward to deepening our relationship in the country as we build the foundation for commercial air taxi services in Japan.”
Goldstein emphasized that Archer’s mission is not only to deliver cutting-edge technology but also to form long-term collaborations with partners and governments that share the vision of cleaner and more accessible transportation.
Soracle CEO Yukihiro Ota echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of the Osaka agreement:
“We are honored to announce the partnership agreement with Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City to realize our commercial eVTOL air taxi service in the region. Thanks to Archer’s dedicated and continuous cooperation and support, we are confident that we can achieve this goal and realize the social implementation together with Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City.”
Ota stressed that Soracle’s mission goes beyond business opportunity—it is about creating lasting social value by enabling sustainable and efficient mobility solutions for communities.
Archer’s Midnight Aircraft: A Closer Look
The Midnight aircraft at the heart of these operations has been engineered with urban transport in mind. Designed for four passengers plus a pilot, Midnight is optimized for rapid turnaround times, minimal noise footprint, and safe, reliable operations.
Capable of carrying passengers on trips of up to 20 miles (32 kilometers), the aircraft is envisioned for high-frequency, short-hop routes that reduce travel time compared to ground transportation. For example, a 45-minute car journey across congested urban areas could be cut down to just 10–15 minutes via air taxi.
By deploying a fleet of Midnights in Osaka, Soracle aims to create new aerial corridors that connect city centers, airports, business districts, and cultural hubs across the Kansai region. This model could eventually be replicated in other Japanese metropolitan areas such as Tokyo, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.
Toward Commercial Launch
The collaboration between Soracle, Osaka authorities, and Archer represents one of the most concrete examples yet of how eVTOL services may be implemented in practice. The parties will now work on refining operational models, identifying launch routes, developing takeoff and landing infrastructure (commonly known as “vertiports”), and preparing for certification with Japan’s aviation regulators.
Community engagement will also play a vital role. Ensuring that local residents understand the safety, environmental, and economic benefits of air taxis will be essential for broad public acceptance. Osaka’s proactive involvement suggests that the city is prepared to support outreach initiatives and integrate the technology into its broader smart-city vision.
As the global eVTOL industry moves from concept to commercialization, Osaka’s selection of Soracle and Archer demonstrates how international partnerships can accelerate adoption. With Archer providing the aircraft and Soracle bringing operational expertise, regulatory connections, and local insights, the partnership is well-positioned to deliver one of the world’s first fully realized air taxi networks.
If successful, the Osaka model could become a template for other cities worldwide that are looking to reduce congestion, lower emissions, and expand mobility options. For Archer, the milestone underscores its growing influence on the global stage, as it moves closer to its vision of transforming everyday urban transportation through electric aviation.