Akihabara News — SkyDrive, a leading Japanese manufacturer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has made significant strides in recent months toward integrating its technology into Japan’s transportation and tourism sectors.
In July, SkyDrive signed an agreement with Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) to explore the feasibility of deploying eVTOL services in the Kyushu region. This partnership aims to leverage JR Kyushu’s extensive network, including railway stations, shopping malls, and other facilities, to enhance tourism and regional development. The study will focus on business planning and geographical analysis to establish eVTOL routes, potentially revolutionizing travel and urban development in Kyushu.
Following this, in August, SkyDrive partnered with Osaka Metro, which not only invested in SkyDrive but also agreed to study the use of eVTOL in Osaka, particularly after the 2025 Expo. This collaboration aligns with SkyDrive’s vision of transforming daily transportation through eVTOLs.
Osaka Metro, which operates a vast transit system with around 2.4 million daily passengers, is looking to integrate eVTOL into its Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) concept, “e METRO,” enhancing urban connectivity. The agreement includes discussions on vertiport operations and the development of practical business plans for eVTOL in Osaka.
Most recently, SkyDrive announced a partnership with JTB Corporation, Japan’s leading travel company, to create new tourism experiences using eVTOLs. This collaboration focuses on regional revitalization by introducing eVTOL-based tourism services. The aim is to develop innovative tourism products, like eVTOL sightseeing, by identifying high-potential regions and crafting business models that could bring new life to local economies.
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