Lexus debuts seven-seater helicopter and hides the price; see what the brand revealed

Known for its exquisite cars, Lexus will also start transporting its customers by helicopter. Toyota’s luxury brand announced Lexus Flight, an air charter service that starts operating in Japan on August 24, conducted by Aero Toyota — the group’s own airline. With it, the automaker starts to move its customers by land, sea and air without passing them on to any outside provider.

In practice, the package provides for transfer in a car of the brand to the heliport, the flight between cities and resort destinations and, in the maritime section, the yacht LY680. Lexus describes the service as the starting point of a “mobility ecosystem” that connects the three modes. Routes, fares and charter values were not disclosed.

An Italian helicopter with a Lexus cabin

The aircraft was not created by the Japanese brand. The so-called Lexus Helicopter is a custom Leonardo AW169 — the Italian manufacturer’s twin-engine model, in service since 2015 and with more than 170 units delivered. The two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210A1 engines yield a maximum cruising speed of 267 km/h and a range of up to 785 km, sufficient for most hops between Japanese cities.

The aircraft is 14.65 m long, 3.21 m wide and 4.56 m high. The light-toned cabin accommodates up to seven passengers and, according to the brand, is inspired by the finish of Lexus’ top SUVs. On board there is Wi-Fi, live transmission from external cameras, real-time flight map and a tablet that controls lighting, climate control and entertainment.

The yacht that completes the operation also does not leave its own shipyard. At 20.66 m and with a capacity of 15 people, the LY680 is built in Asia by the Horizon group and sold only in Japan, for around ¥770 million. In the most powerful configuration, its two Volvo Penta engines add up to 2,737 hp.

Helicopter now, flying car later

The option for a conventional aircraft draws attention at a time when the industry is chasing eVTOLs, electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles. Toyota itself is the largest institutional investor in the American Joby Aviation, with a share of around 13%, and on June 30 announced a joint venture with majority control to manufacture the partner’s S4 model, still in the process of certification in the United States.

For now, the Lexus Flight is restricted to the Japanese market. Aero Toyota operates primarily in Japan, but also serves China, South Korea, and Taiwan. Lexus did not comment on plans to bring the service to North America, Europe or other markets.