Lexus, known for its sophisticated automobiles, is expanding its service offerings to include customer transportation via helicopter. The luxury brand belonging to Toyota announced the Lexus Flight, an air charter service that will begin operating in Japan on August 24. This service will be conducted by Aero Toyota, the group's own airline, allowing the automaker to move its clients by land, sea, and air without relying on third parties.
The service package offered integrates different modes of transport: it includes transfer in a brand vehicle to the helipad, flight between cities and resort destinations, and, for the maritime leg, the use of the LY680 yacht. Lexus describes this integration as the start of a 'mobility ecosystem' connecting these three types of transport. However, details regarding routes, fares, and charter costs have not been disclosed.
An Italian helicopter with a Lexus cabin
The aircraft used was not developed by the Japanese company. The so-called Lexus Helicopter is a customized Leonardo AW169 model, manufactured by the Italian constructor. This twin-engine model has been in operation since 2015 and over 170 units have already been delivered. Its two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210A1 turbines provide a maximum cruising speed of 267 km/h and a range of up to 785 km, which is suitable for most urban journeys within Japan.
The aircraft dimensions are 14.65 meters long, 3.21 meters wide, and 4.56 meters high. The cabin, presented in light tones, accommodates up to seven passengers and was designed to evoke the finish found in top-tier Lexus SUVs. Passengers will have access to Wi-Fi, live feed from external cameras, a real-time flight map, and a tablet that allows control of entertainment, climate, and lighting systems.
The yacht complementing this operation is also not self-built. The LY680 measures 20.66 meters and can accommodate up to 15 people. It is built in Asia by the Horizon group and marketed exclusively in Japan, costing approximately ¥770 million. In its most powerful configuration, the two Volvo Penta engines generate a combined power of 2,737 hp.
Helicopter now, flying car later
The choice of a traditional aircraft stands out at a time when the industry is focused on eVTOLs, which are electric vehicles capable of taking off and landing vertically. Toyota itself has a significant institutional investment in the American company Joby Aviation, holding about a 13% stake. Furthermore, on June 30, Toyota announced a joint venture with majority control to produce the partner's S4 model, which is still in the certification phase in the United States.
Currently, Lexus Flight is limited to the Japanese market. Although Aero Toyota operates primarily in Japan, it also provides services in China, South Korea, and Taiwan. Lexus has not provided comments on possible plans to expand the service to North America, Europe, or other international markets.
