SkyDrive Inc., a leading Japanese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer, successfully conducted a demonstration flight of its “SKYDRIVE SD-05” model in April 2025, during the Media Day event at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The flight took place at the EXPO Vertiport, a facility sponsored and operated by ORIX Corporation for eVTOL flights.

Selected in February 2023 as a participant in the “Smart Mobility EXPO,” part of the “Future Society Showcase Project,” SkyDrive has been focused on developing its aircraft for this significant milestone. The SD-05 model flew at an altitude of approximately 5 meters for about 4 minutes, piloted remotely to ensure safety.

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive Inc., expressed his excitement, stating, “Since our founding, we have embraced the vision of ‘Beyond Drive,’ as we seek to lead the upcoming revolution in airborne mobility. I am truly delighted to unveil our eVTOL aircraft, ‘SKYDRIVE,’ here today at the EXPO Vertiport.”

In addition to the public flight, SkyDrive released footage of recent test flights conducted at its development facility in Toyota City, featuring the first SD-05 prototype. The company also shared a video detailing its development journey since its founding in 2018.

Fukuzawa extended his gratitude, saying, “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all our partners and stakeholders who have been supporting and collaborating with us in various ways. I also thank the SkyDrive team, who continue to push our development forward every single day.”

SkyDrive’s eVTOL technology aims to reduce CO₂ emissions and noise levels, integrating seamlessly into urban environments. The company plans to continue its story in Osaka beyond the Expo, with initiatives like the “Osaka Diamond Routes,” proposed eVTOL routes connecting key Osaka destinations.

As SkyDrive remains committed to revolutionizing urban air travel, Fukuzawa emphasized, “eVTOL is a form of clean mobility that will help reduce CO₂ emissions and support the evolution of a sustainable society.”