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Articles from SkyDrive Inc.

Osaka Metro Unveils "OSAKAKO Vertiport", a New Takeoff and Landing Facility for eVTOL at Expo 2025
Osaka Metro Co., Ltd. ("Osaka Metro") today announced the completion of the "OSAKAKO Vertiport", a new eVTOL take off and landing facility intended to serve the venue of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai ("the Expo"). SkyDrive, an Aichi-based company preparing to provide commercial eVTOL (*1) services, will use the new vertiport for demonstration flights, which will take place as part of the Expo program. To mark the occasion, a completion ceremony was held in collaboration with Osaka City.
By SkyDrive Inc. · Via Business Wire · March 31, 2025
SkyDrive Enters into a Business Partnership with AeroGulf Services, Receiving a Pre-order for 50 eVTOL Aircraft
SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”) a leading Japanese eVTOL aircraft (*1) manufacturer, and AeroGulf Services Company LLC (“AeroGulf Services”), a helicopter charter company based in Dubai, have signed a Letter of Intent for the purchase of up to 50 “SKYDRIVE” (*2) eVTOL aircraft. The partnership will focus on exploring revolutionary air mobility business opportunities at Dubai’s iconic tourist destination, Palm Jumeirah.
By SkyDrive Inc. · Via Business Wire · February 28, 2025
JCAB Issues G-1 Certification Basis for SkyDrive eVTOL Aircraft
SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, is pleased to announce that the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (“JCAB”) has issued a G-1 certification basis (*2) for its eVTOL aircraft. The JCAB’s decision, which represents an important milestone along SkyDrive’s path to aircraft certification and commercial operations, follows agreement between the JCAB and SkyDrive over the specific airworthiness and performance criteria that will be required for the type certification of the ‘SKYDRIVE ‘, SkyDrive's lightweight, 3-seater eVTOL aircraft.
By SkyDrive Inc. · Via Business Wire · February 10, 2025
SkyDrive and JR East Begin Discussions to Explore eVTOL Experiences at AZUMA FARM KOIWAI
SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, is pleased to announce that it has initiated discussions with East Japan Railway Company ("JR East") to provide eVTOL experiences at a premium hotel "AZUMA FARM KOIWAI." Scheduled to open in spring 2026 at Koiwai Farm, the hotel aims to offer guests a unique opportunity to experience air travel as part of its exclusive services.
By SkyDrive Inc. · Via Business Wire · February 7, 2025
SkyDrive Enters Into a Business Partnership With JetSetGo to Develop Commercial eVTOL Routes in Gujarat, India, Receiving a Pre-order for 50 eVTOL Aircraft
SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, announced the signing of a strategic partnership with JetSetGo Aviation Services Pvt. Ltd (“JetSetGo”) to explore new business structures, initially in the state of Gujarat and potentially in other locations across India. JetSetGo, one of India's largest private jet operators, has also agreed to pre-order 50 units of the eVTOL “SKYDRIVE” (*2), which will be SkyDrive’s first commercially certified eVTOL. The agreement between SkyDrive and JetSetGo was facilitated by Suzuki Motor Corporation (“Suzuki”) under the business and technical collaboration agreement previously signed by Suzuki and SkyDrive. (*3).
By SkyDrive Inc. · Via Business Wire · January 28, 2025
SkyDrive and Osaka Metro Unveil Plans for a Future eVTOL Network in Osaka Introducing Plans for the "Osaka Diamond Routes"
SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, and Osaka Metro Co., Ltd. (“Osaka Metro”) today announced plans for the "Osaka Diamond Routes" at the "Osaka Roundtable" (*2). These proposed eVTOL routes connect four key destinations in Osaka: Shin-Osaka/Umeda, Morinomiya, Tennoji/Abeno, and the Osaka Bay Area. Market research has already identified these areas as critical hubs for the city’s future mobility network. SkyDrive and Osaka Metro plan to launch services in the Morinomiya area by around 2028, before working to gradually expand operations through 2030 and beyond.
By SkyDrive Inc. · Via Business Wire · December 17, 2024
SkyDrive and SAI Flight Unveil Plans for Commercial Electric Air Taxi Routes in South Carolina, Confirm Pre-Order of 10 eVTOL Aircraft
SkyDrive Inc. ("SkyDrive"), a leading eVTOL (*1) manufacturer based in Japan, SAI Flight (*2), one of the largest private jet charter companies in South Carolina, and Greenville Downtown Airport, the state's busiest general aviation hub, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly develop innovative business opportunities utilizing the cutting-edge SKYDRIVE (*3) eVTOL aircraft. The collaboration will focus on advancing air-cargo, air-taxi, and emergency service use cases, paving the way for a new era of efficient and versatile intra-community air travel.
By SkyDrive Inc. · Via Business Wire · November 19, 2024
SkyDrive Forms a Business Partnership with FEAM Aero, One of the Largest MRO Companies in North America
SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, has announced the signing of a strategic alliance with F&E Aircraft Maintenance (Miami), LLC (“FEAM Aero”). This partnership combines SkyDrive's innovative air mobility solutions with FEAM Aero's extensive expertise in line maintenance, creating a robust framework for the maintenance, support, and scalability of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, both across the U.S. and beyond.
By SkyDrive Inc. · Via Business Wire · November 12, 2024
SkyDrive and Osaka Metro Sign Agreement Towards Social Implementation of eVTOL after the EXPO 2025
SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading Japanese eVTOL aircraft (*1) manufacturer based in Japan, announced that it has signed an agreement with Osaka Metro Co., Ltd. (“Osaka Metro”) to study the feasibility of using eVTOL in the Osaka area after the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan (“the Expo”). In addition, Osaka Metro invested in SkyDrive.
By SkyDrive Inc. · Via Business Wire · August 27, 2024
FAA Accepts SkyDrive's eVTOL Certification Application
SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading Japanese eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer, today announced that the company has submitted type certificate application of its three-seat eVTOL “SKYDRIVE” (*2) to the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) through the Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau (“JCAB”). The application was accepted on April 29, 2024.
By SkyDrive Inc. · Via Business Wire · June 17, 2024
SkyDrive Signs Pre-Order with Bravo Air and Agrees to Partner in Developing Commercial Use Cases Originating from Augusta Regional Airport
SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”) a leading Japanese eVTOL aircraft (*1) manufacturer, and Bravo Air, a well-established private air charter service operator based in Augusta, GA, USA, have signed a letter of intent for the purchase of up to (5) “SD-05 “SKYDRIVE” (*2) aircraft. The agreement also includes the formation of a “Partnership” to conduct joint studies in the development of use cases originating from Augusta Regional Airport to scale Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) within the region including the adaption of SkyDrive’s business model for air taxi services.
By SkyDrive Inc. · Via Business Wire · March 15, 2024
Air Mobility Under Development by SkyDrive, Production Partnered by Suzuki, Unveiled in India.
SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading Japanese eVTOL aircraft (*1) manufacturer based in Japan, today announced that it secured additional funding in its Series C round through a third-party allotment of new shares to Suzuki Motor Corporation (“Suzuki”). This will accelerate the development and manufacturing of our eVTOL aircraft.
By SkyDrive Inc. · Via Business Wire · January 9, 2024
SkyDrive Selected for Innovation Grant Worth up to 12.4 Billion Yen by Japanese Government
SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading Japanese eVTOL aircraft (*1) manufacturer based in Japan, is pleased to announce that it has been chosen by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (“METI”) for the ”Next-generation Air Mobility Field" of the Small and Medium Enterprise Innovation Promotion Project (SBIR Phase3). SkyDrive has been granted approximately 12.4 billion yen (approximately, USD 82,666,666) (*2) which will support the development of innovative technologies aimed at enhancing future social implementation, including reducing traffic congestion and lower emissions.
By SkyDrive Inc. · Via Business Wire · October 23, 2023
SkyDrive Established a Production Subsidiary in Iwata City to Produce up to 100 eVTOLs per Year Utilizing Suzuki’s Plant
SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading Japanese eVTOL aircraft (*1) manufacturer based in Japan, is pleased to announce the continual progress between the Suzuki Motor Corporation (“Suzuki”) and SkyDrive strategic partnership since the collaboration agreement on the sharing of business and technology in March 2022. This was successfully followed by the basic agreement on manufacturing in June 2023, referenced below (*2).
By SkyDrive Inc. · Via Business Wire · October 10, 2023