SkyDrive Receives Pre-order for “SKYDRIVE (SD-05)” eVTOL Aircraft from MASC General Incorporated Association in Support of Regional Revitalization Efforts in Setouchi Islands, Japan

SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading Japanese eVTOL aircraft (*1) manufacturer based in Japan, announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with MASC General Incorporated Association (MASC) (*2) for the pre-order of its “SKYDRIVE (SD-05)” (*3) electric vertical take-off & landing (eVTOL) aircraft for commercial use. The agreement marks a significant step forward in the development of advanced air mobility (AAM) technology in the region.

SkyDrive is currently developing a three-seater electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft called “SKYDRIVE.” Its eVTOL is in the process of acquiring its Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) certification. The eVTOL is designed to provide safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation solutions for various applications, including aerial tourism.

MASC, a general incorporated association dedicated to promoting aerial tourism in Setouchi Islands using eVTOL aircraft, has established a new dedicated exhibition hall with a permanent display of an eVTOL in Kurashiki-city. The exhibition hall serves as an educational showroom for the industry and aims to develop an industrial cluster in the Mizushima district of Kurashiki City, Okayama for AAM technology. 

SkyDrive and MASC will collaborate closely to develop commercial operations and explore potential suburban routes for the “SKYDRIVE (SD-05)” eVTOL aircraft. The partnership aims to fully deploy eVTOLs in the Setouchi Islands with the involvement of local stakeholders, contributing to the region’s economic growth and sustainable development.

About SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive was formally established in July 2018 after testing flying car concepts and prototypes from 2014 with the mission of “taking the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution.” Its vision is to create a future where everyone has access to eVTOLs as their daily transportation in Japan and across the world. The company succeeded in the first crewed eVTOL flight test in Japan in 2019 and its eVTOL “SKYDRIVE” is in the process of acquiring its Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) certification. SkyDrive has been selected as a company to participate in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. SkyDrive plans to begin production of ”SKYDRIVE” in the Spring of 2024 at the plant owned by official production partner Suzuki Motor Company. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture. Tomohiro Fukuzawa is the CEO of the company.

For more information, please visit: https://en.skydrive2020.com/

Editor’s Note:
(*1) “eVTOL” is an abbreviation for electric vertical takeoff and landing. eVTOL aircraft are characterized by electrification, a fully autonomous autopilot, and vertical takeoff and landing. It is also called Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) or Urban Air Mobility (UAM).

(*2) MASC General Incorporated Association: Okayama Kurashiki Mizushima Aero & Space Industry Cluster Study Group

(*3) “SKYDRIVE” is a product name of SkyDrive Model SD-05. Model SD-05 is in the process of acquiring its Japan Civil Aviation Bureau certification.