{"url":"https://newsforagent.com/news/2026-10-17/lexus-flight-helicopter-taxi-japan","markdown_url":"https://newsforagent.com/news/2026-10-17/lexus-flight-helicopter-taxi-japan.md","title":"Lexus Launches Flight Helicopter Taxi Service in Japan","headline":"Lexus Unveils Lexus Flight Helicopter Taxi and Chauffeur Service in Japan","description":"Lexus Flight pairs a customized Leonardo AW169 helicopter with chauffeur service in Japan, with outside estimates near $6,000 per hour.","section":"Product Launches","published_at":"2026-10-17T23:52:28+00:00","modified_at":"2026-10-17T23:52:28+00:00","author":"News Desk","key_takeaways":["Lexus Flight operates a Leonardo AW169 helicopter with a bespoke Lexus cabin, Wi-Fi and tablet controls, initially only in Japan.","Flights are operated by Aero Toyota Corp, and the service does not use Toyota's existing eVTOL aircraft.","Sources estimate pricing around $6,000 per hour for the service in markets outside Japan, if it expands there."],"companies":[{"name":"Lexus","is_primary":true,"profile_url":"https://akta.pro/company-profiles/0004a26/lexus","website":"https://lexus.com.tr"}],"source":{"publisher":"Autoevolution","title":"Lexus Completes Their Land, Sea, and Air Domination With Lexus Flight Taxi Service – No eVTOLs Yet","url":"https://www.autoevolution.com/news/lexus-completes-their-land-sea-and-air-domination-with-lexus-flight-taxi-service-no-evtols-yet-277186.html"},"other_sources":[],"tags":["Product Launches","Lexus"],"body_markdown":"[Lexus](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/0004a26/lexus) has unveiled Lexus Flight, a helicopter taxi and chauffeur service operating in Japan, using a Leonardo AW169 customized with a bespoke Lexus cabin, Wi-Fi and tablet controls. [Autoevolution](https://www.autoevolution.com/news/lexus-completes-their-land-sea-and-air-domination-with-lexus-flight-taxi-service-no-evtols-yet-277186.html) reported the launch, with sources estimating pricing around $6,000 per hour for the service in markets outside Japan.\n\n## Lexus Flight's Helicopter and Cabin\n\nThe service pairs a helicopter taxi with chauffeur service for a range of activities, and for the time being it operates only in Japan. Lexus calls upon a Leonardo AW169, a personal aircraft that can be soundproofed so passengers do not need a headset. According to a press release, the AW169 has been customized with a bespoke cabin \"that reflects Lexus's luxury and attention to detail.\"\n\nWi-Fi is part of the ecosystem, along with a tablet system to control lighting and entertainment options. A live feed camera transmits images of the view outside via an external camera. Up to five guests can be accommodated in a face-to-face configuration, with large lateral windows, lighting and climate control.\n\nFlights are operated by Aero Toyota Corp, an established presence in the air, and according to Aero Toyota's website, on-demand service is possible. The service does not use any of the existing Toyota eVTOLs, also known as Joby, so customers should expect an actual helicopter when calling upon Lexus Flight. Lexus was already known for its presence on land, at sea since 2019 with the LY680, and now in the air with Lexus Flight.\n\n## Lexus's Recent Launches and Partnerships\n\nLexus's recent moves include the May 2026 unveiling of the TZ three-row all-electric luxury SUV, with up to 320 miles of range, DIRECT4 AWD producing 402-420 hp, and pricing around $60,000, according to akta.pro [company records](https://akta.pro/company-data). The same records show a May 2026 AT&T 5G connectivity partnership integrating high-speed data into the Lexus Interface multimedia system, debuting on the 2026 ES and enabling improved voice assistant, OTA updates, in-car Wi-Fi and integrated entertainment.\n\nIn March 2026, Lexus launched the eighth-generation ES sedan with simultaneous hybrid and fully electric variants, the records show. The ES 350h is priced at $50,995, while the ES 350e is $48,475 and the ES 500e AWD is $51,795, featuring built-in NACS ports and Arene-powered EV routing, marking Lexus's first all-electric sedan.\n\n## Lexus's Earlier October 2026 Moves\n\nOn October 16, 2026, PR Newswire reported that the 2027 Lexus TX receives minor updates, including the return of Matador Red Mica for non-F SPORT models and the discontinuation of the TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with the TX 350 starting at $58,890. CBT News reported the same day that Lexus's general manager outlined 2027 growth priorities at a dealer meeting, targeting roughly 370,000 new-vehicle sales, with plans for a three-row all-electric SUV and a multipath powertrain strategy.\n\nAutonews reported on October 16, 2026 that Lexus will redirect roughly 35,000 vehicles from overseas markets to U.S. dealers, easing a supply squeeze that has dragged down the brand's sales this year.\n","publisher":{"name":"News for Agent","url":"https://newsforagent.com"}}