Joby Aviation, Inc., a company specializing in electric air taxis, has successfully completed its first international exhibition flight in Japan. The flight recently took place at Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Shizuoka.

According to a press release, this event represents a significant step in the collaboration between Joby and Toyota Motor Corporation, which has been going on for almost seven years. Throughout this partnership, Toyota shared its expertise in automotive manufacturing and technology, which was an integral part of Joby’s development process.

As part of their collaboration, Toyota engineers are now working closely with the Joby team in California. In 2023, the companies signed a long-term agreement for Toyota to supply critical propulsion and actuation components for Joby’s aircraft.

Joby’s aircraft, which has vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) capabilities, flew outside the US for the first time during this exhibition. The electric air taxi has a top speed of 200 mph and a range of about 100 statute miles. Joby previously operated from Manhattan’s Downtown Heliport, marking its entry into urban air mobility solutions.

During the exhibition flight, Joby demonstrated the low acoustic footprint of its zero-emission aircraft, the press release said. Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to accommodate one pilot and four passengers, with the aim of providing efficient urban and rural transport while reducing traffic congestion and environmental impact.

Toyota recently committed an additional $500 million investment in Joby, bringing its total investment to $894 million. This funding is aimed at supporting the certification and commercial production of Joby’s electric air taxi, Joby Aviation said.