Latest news with #SkyDrive
Yomiuri Shimbun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Flying Car Floats Out of Expo Venue, Soaring 15 Meters and Over the Sea, Aichi Pref. Start-Up Provides Demonstration to Press
A test flight of a flying car was demonstrated for the press over the sea by the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo venue on Monday. The next-generation vehicle belongs to SkyDrive Inc., a start-up based in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture. Driven by remote control, the car rose 15 meters above the venue, flying over the sea on the west side and making a 300-meter roundtrip before completing the four-minute demonstration. SkyDrive started demonstration flights at the end of July, initially limiting the flight area to the port due to safety considerations. The range was expanded to the sea upon confirming there were no safety concerns.
Japan Times
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- Japan Times
SkyDrive demonstrates flying car at Osaka Expo
Japanese startup SkyDrive performed its first demonstration flight of a flying car for visitors at the World Exposition in the city of Osaka on Thursday. The Toyota, Aichi Prefecture-based company had originally scheduled the flight for the opening day of the Expo in April, but canceled it due to bad weather. It will hold demonstration flights on a daily basis until Aug. 24. During Thursday's demonstration, the flying car completed an approximately three-minute unmanned flight, ascending about 4 meters and then moving forward some 50 meters. "I am glad that we were able to confirm that it flies safely and that visitors were also able to see it," SkyDrive CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa said. In addition to SkyDrive, Marubeni, a major Japanese trader, has also conducted demonstration flights of a flying car at the Expo.
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
SkyDrive Starts Summer Demonstration Flights at Expo 2025 in Osaka
TOYOTA, Japan, July 31, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SkyDrive Inc. ("SkyDrive"), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, is pleased to announce the safe and successful completion of a demonstration flight of the SKYDRIVE (SkyDrive Model SD-05) at the Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan. SkyDrive will continue to showcase the capabilities of the SKYDRIVE with a series of further demonstration flights through to August 24 (see below for details). SkyDrive's demonstration flight from the EXPO Vertiport at EXPO 2025 on July 31, 2025: The flight reached a height of 4 meters and lasted for 3 minutes. The aircraft is uncrewed, operated by remote control, and stabilized using automatic control technology. Back in February 2023, SkyDrive was included in a select group of the advanced air mobility companies chosen to demonstrate their smart mobility technology at the Expo under the event's theme of showcasing the technology that will shape the future of society. As a result of this opportunity, the successful demonstration of our aircraft at the Expo became one of SkyDrive's key development milestones. Following extensive development activity and an accident-free flight test campaign that confirmed the aircraft's safety, SkyDrive is excited to show our aircraft to the public as per the demonstration flight schedule below. SkyDrive Demonstration Flight Schedule SkyDrive will fly at the EXPO Vertiport every Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between Friday August 1 and Sunday August 24. No flights will be scheduled on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For further information on the SkyDrive flight schedule, please click the link below: *For the latest information on actual flight times, please refer to the official EXPO 2025 Visitors app (*2) and SkyDrive's own social media (*3). Please note the following: The above schedule is provisional and subject to change without notice. Flights may be postponed or cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Flights may be postponed or cancelled for aircraft maintenance. Demonstration Flight Area Following a comprehensive safety analysis, SkyDrive has taken the decision to start and complete the demonstration flights from the EXPO Vertiport, which is located in the Mobility Experience Area in the northwest corner of the Expo venue. Watching the SkyDrive Demonstration Flights No advance reservations are required to watch the demonstration flights. Please come to the area around the vertiport prior to the advertised flight time.*Note that advertised flight times are scheduled times, and these times may change for various reasons. When watching flights in the area around the EXPO Vertiport, we ask that all radio-emitting electronic devices, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled devices, be switched to flight mode or turned off to ensure that radio waves from these devices do not affect the aircraft. Please understand that the EXPO Vertiport is an outdoor venue with no indoor viewing area. We ask that demonstration flight spectators make use of the nearby rest area (Group Rest Area: West) and drink adequate amounts of water to avoid the risk of suffering heatstroke while watching these demonstration flights. Crowding in the area around the vertiport is expected before, during and after the demonstration flights. To ensure your safety and comfort, we ask that you follow the instructions of the safety marshals and other authorized personnel. Further Information on Advanced Air Mobility at the Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan For the latest information, please visit the official website of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition at the link below: Commercial Operation of the SKYDRIVE SkyDrive is currently working to achieve the type certification (*4) required for the commercial operation of the SKYDRIVE aircraft, while also collaborating with various partners in Japan and overseas to accelerate the preparations required for those future operations. In Japan, SkyDrive is joining together with Osaka Metro Company. Ltd. and the Osaka City authorities with the aim of launching commercial eVTOL operations in Osaka's Morinomiya area from as early as 2028. SkyDrive is also partnering with the JR Kyushu Railway Company to develop eVTOL services in Kyushu from around 2028. Planned services include tourist flights over Beppu Bay and air taxi routes linking destinations such as the spa town of Beppu and the resort of Yufuin (*5). Comment from SkyDrive CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa "The Expo 2025 event is a wonderful opportunity to experience tomorrow's technology and we are proud to have the chance to show you all a taste of the future through our eVTOL. The successful completion of today's flight required SkyDrive's employees and partners to work closely together and overcome various challenges. We are all thrilled to see the SKYDRIVE flying over Osaka Bay, and extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has provided us with encouragement and support. As CEO, I would also like to extend my personal thanks to the SkyDrive team." "I hope that the spectators gathered at the EXPO vertiport to see our aircraft take off and fly will now find it easier to imagine how eVTOL aircraft flights will in future become a regular part of our daily routine. We will continue to prioritize flight safety, ensuring that visitors to the Expo over the coming weeks can enjoy the experience of seeing the airborne SKYDRIVE." SKYDRIVE: Aircraft Specifications Dimensions (length × width × height) Approx. 11.5 m × approx. 11.3 m × approx. 3 m (including rotors) Occupants 3 people (1 pilot and 2 passengers) Energy source The SKYDRIVE is a battery-powered electric aircraft Propulsion 12 motors and rotors Principal structural materials Includes composite (CFRP) materials, and aluminum alloys Maximum takeoff weight 1,400 kg Maximum cruising speed 100 km/h (airspeed) Range 15-40 km About SkyDrive Inc. SkyDrive is an eVTOL company aiming "to take the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution". The company began testing eVTOL prototypes in 2014 prior to official incorporation in 2018. Under its future vision for urban transportation, flying in eVTOLs will become a regular part of city life. In 2019, SkyDrive became the first company to fly a crewed eVTOL in Japan. As of 2025, SkyDrive is working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US to acquire certification for "SKYDRIVE", the company's first eVTOL product. SkyDrive showcased the first public flight of the SKYDRIVE at Expo 2025 in Osaka in April 2025. SkyDrive began production of "SKYDRIVE" in March 2024 at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive's official production partner. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and entrepreneur. For more information, please visit: (*1) "eVTOL" is an abbreviation for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing. As the name suggests, eVTOL aircraft can take off and land without a runway. eVTOLs are powered by electricity and incorporate advanced, automatic, flight control technology. (*2) EXPO 2025 Visitors is the official app of the Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The app includes a map to help visitors find their way around the various onsite pavilions and restaurants as well as various other Expo-linked (*3) SkyDrive Official social media account X (formerly Twitter): (*4) Related press release on SkyDrive's progress towards certification: (*5) Other related press releases SkyDrive's collaboration with Osaka Metro: SkyDrive's collaboration with JR Kyushu: View source version on Contacts Risa OishiPublic RelationsSkyDrive info@
Business Wire
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
SkyDrive Secures ¥8.3 Billion in Pre-Series D Funding from Suzuki, JR East, JR Kyushu, and Others
TOYOTA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SkyDrive Inc. ('SkyDrive'), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, today announced that it has raised ¥8.3 billion in Pre-Series D funding through a third-party allotment. This funding round was led by MUFG Bank, Ltd. ('MUFG'), with investments from Suzuki Motor Corporation ('Suzuki'), East Japan Railway Company ('JR East'), Kyushu Railway Company ('JR Kyushu'), and seven other companies. With this latest round, SkyDrive's cumulative funding now exceeds ¥43 billion. New Investors Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) East Japan Railway Company (JR East) UNIVANCE CORPORATION Returning Investors ITOCHU Technology Ventures, Inc. Obayashi Corporation The Kansai Electric Power Company, Incorporated SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION SuMi TRUST Innovation Investment LPS TOYODA IRON WORKS CO., LTD. NHK SPRING CO., LTD. MUFG Bank, Ltd. Background and Purpose of Fundraising SkyDrive, founded in 2018, is working to fulfil its mission of 'taking the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution' and its vision of creating a future in which the general public, in Japan and around the world, use eVTOLs to meet their daily mobility needs. The company has been actively working to obtain type certification, a critical step toward the commercialization of eVTOL. In February 2025, Japan's Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) issued a G-1 certification basis for the SKYDRIVE SD-05, SkyDrive's lightweight, 3-seater eVTOL aircraft (*2). Currently, SkyDrive is advancing its certification plans and coordinating with JCAB on the specifics of upcoming tests and their timelines. Following an agreement on the certification plan, SkyDrive will conduct extensive ground and flight tests in line with the agreed plans. The new funding will be used to strengthen the development team, enhance testing infrastructure, improve operational readiness, and accelerate activities related to certification and development. Strategic Alliances with Railway Companies Following on from partnerships with Osaka Metro Co., Ltd. and Kintetsu Group Holdings Co., Ltd., SkyDrive is delighted to welcome JR East and JR Kyushu as strategic equity partners in this new funding round. SkyDrive now maintains capital and business alliances with a total of four railway companies. Integrating SkyDrive's eVTOL capabilities into existing networks operated by these partner companies will create seamless mobility solutions that effectively combine overland and air travel. These collaborations will also focus on the establishment of air routes and the development of vertiports, as well as public relations efforts designed to boost public support for widespread eVTOL use of eVTOL. Comments Mr. Yoichi Kise, President and CEO of East Japan Railway Company 'The history of rail travel in Japan dates back more than 150 years. Since their introduction, railways have continually evolved alongside societal progress, adapting to changing lifestyles and technologies. Our recent partnership with SkyDrive represents an important milestone in our journey to create seamless mobility services that connect ground and air transportation. We believe this collaboration has the potential to address regional transportation challenges and unlock innovative solutions. By integrating railway services with eVTOL technology, we aim to help build a more comfortable and sustainable society. Building on our long-standing commitment to safety and passenger peace-of-mind, the East Japan Railway Company looks to create new value through the next-generation mobility solutions that will shape the future of transport.' Mr. Yoji Furumiya, Representative Director, President and Corporate Officer of Kyushu Railway Company 'eVTOL will not only provide tourists with exciting, memorable air travel experiences, it will also make significant contributions to community development by providing a new daily transportation option for local community residents. This initiative aligns with key strategies outlined in the JR Kyushu Group Medium-Term Business Plan, which outlines our deep involvement in realizing sustainable mobility services, city building through enhanced collaboration among businesses, and planting seeds for the future. Through the introduction of innovations in air mobility, we aim to make the Kyushu region more attractive, and we are committed to working together with the local community to advance this exciting project.' Mr. Norihiko Takao, President of Univance Corporation 'We are thrilled to announce our investment in SkyDrive, a company driving the move towards next-generation mobility services as an innovator at the forefront of eVTOL aircraft development. At Univance, we have spent decades developing and manufacturing advanced drive systems for the automotive industry, and we are confident that, by applying our expertise, we can play a key role in building the infrastructure needed for a new era of transportation. Through our partnership with SkyDrive, we look forward to creating sustainable and innovative mobility solutions, while working together to address critical societal challenges and shape a better future.' Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive Inc. 'Since our additional Series C funding in August 2024, SkyDrive has made steady progress in the development of our eVTOL aircraft. With substantial support from our partner Suzuki, prototypes of our eVTOL have successfully completed numerous flight tests without incident, also achieving a successful demonstration flight at the Osaka-Kansai Expo site in April 2025. We are also pleased with the progress of our certification plans with the issuance by JCAB of the standards that will apply to our application for type certification. On the global business front, we have received over 380 pre-orders across seven countries, further expanding the international reach of our vision. Additionally, in this Pre-Series D round, we are honored to welcome JR East and JR Kyushu as new partners. We are confident that integrating SkyDrive's next-generation mobility solutions into Japan's railway networks will enable us to deliver seamless mobility services that link ground and air transport, providing a fast and convenient customer experience. As we welcome this new investment, we would also like to express our deepest gratitude to all of the investors who have been with us from the earlier stages of our journey. These valuable partners include Suzuki, MUFG Bank, Itochu Technology Ventures, Obayashi Corporation, Kansai Electric Power, Toyoda Iron Works, NHK Spring, and SuMi Trust Innovation Investment. Through their early involvement, these shareholders have shared SkyDrive's vision, significantly contributing to the refinement of our technology and the expansion of our business possibilities. Their unwavering support enables us to push the boundaries of innovation and work toward the wider public acceptance and adoption of eVTOL. We remain committed to advancing our development efforts as a united team, striving to bring the future of air mobility to life as quickly as possible.' About SkyDrive Inc. SkyDrive is an eVTOL company aiming 'to take the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution'. The company began testing eVTOL prototypes in 2014 prior to official incorporation in 2018. Under its future vision for urban transportation, flying in eVTOLs will become a regular part of city life. In 2019, SkyDrive became the first company to fly a crewed eVTOL in Japan. As of 2025, SkyDrive is working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US to acquire certification for 'SKYDRIVE', the company's first eVTOL product. SkyDrive showcased the first public flight of the SKYDRIVE at Expo 2025 in Osaka in April 2025, with plans for further demonstration flights in summer. SkyDrive began production of 'SKYDRIVE' in March 2024 at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive's official production partner. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and entrepreneur. For more information, please visit:
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
SkyDrive Conducts Public Flight of SKYDRIVE SD-05 during Media Day at Osaka-Kansai Expo
Test Flight and In-House Development Footage also Released TOYOTA, Japan, April 10, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SkyDrive Inc. ("SkyDrive"), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, is pleased to announce that, on April 9th, 2025, we successfully conducted a demo flight of "SKYDRIVE (SkyDrive SD-05 model)" as part of the Media Day event at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai ("the Expo"). Additionally, we have released footage of recent test flights and development work conducted at our proprietary facility in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. YouTube URL: About the Demo Flight In February 2023, SkyDrive was selected as one of the eVTOL operators taking part in the "Smart Mobility EXPO," a part of the "Future Society Showcase Project" at the Expo (*2). Since then, as we dedicated ourselves to the development of our aircraft, we have targeted flights at the Expo as one of our most important development milestones. Today, ahead of the scheduled point-to-point and circular flights planned at the Expo for the summer of 2025, the "SKYDRIVE (SkyDrive SD-05 model)" took off for a demo flight above the EXPO Vertiport. The aircraft flew at an altitude of 5 meters for a total flight time of approximately 4 minutes. To ensure safe flight operations, the aircraft, which incorporates automatic control systems, was piloted remotely without a pilot on board. Footage of Test Flights at SkyDrive's Proprietary Development Facility in Toyota City Alongside today's public flight, we have also released footage of recent test flights conducted at our in-house development facility in Toyota City. The aircraft featured in this footage is the first SKYDRIVE (SkyDrive SD-05 prototype). The aircraft that flew today at the EXPO Vertiport is another aircraft built with this same prototype design. YouTube URL: Development Story Video Released We have released a video showcasing SkyDrive's development journey since our founding in 2018. We hope that you can take a moment to watch the video and further understand the passion, commitment and aspirations of our engineers. YouTube URL: Comments from Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive Inc. Since our founding, we have embraced the vision of "Beyond Drive", as we seek to lead the upcoming revolution in airborne mobility. In August 2020, we successfully conducted Japan's first-ever public demonstration flight of an eVTOL (*3), greatly increasing global awareness of our company and brand. Since then, thanks to the support of our shareholders, customers, and many others, we have been able to make steady progress. As a result, I am truly delighted to unveil our eVTOL aircraft, "SKYDRIVE," here today at the EXPO Vertiport. Once again, 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 would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of the team at SkyDrive, who, while facing numerous challenges, continue to push our development forward every single day. eVTOL is a form of clean mobility that will help reduce CO₂ emissions and support the evolution of a sustainable society. eVTOLs also achieve reduced noise levels, allowing them to seamlessly integrate into urban environments. At the Expo, which is about to begin, we hope attendees will discover how, in future, people will fly through the skies in eVTOLs as a regular part of city life. SkyDrive's story in Osaka will continue after the Expo. Last year, Osaka Metro Co., Ltd and SkyDrive announced plans for the "Osaka Diamond Routes", proposed eVTOL routes connecting four key Osaka destinations: Shin-Osaka/Umeda, Morinomiya, Tennoji/Abeno, and the Osaka Bay Area. Similar initiatives for the post-Expo period are underway throughout Japan. Moving forward, we remain committed to the development of our aircraft and its associated business models as we work to revolutionize the future of urban air travel. Editor's Note:(*1) "eVTOL" is an abbreviation for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing. As the name suggests, eVTOL aircraft can take off and land without a runway. eVTOLs are powered by electricity and incorporate advanced, automatic, flight control technology.(*2) (*3) Supplementary Information SKYDRIVE (SkyDrive SD-05 Model) Specifications Dimensions (L× W × H) Approx. 11.5m × 11.3m × 3m (37.7ft ×37ft ×10ft) including rotors Seating Capacity 3 passengers (1 pilot and 2 passengers) Power Supply Battery electric Propulsion 12 units of motors and rotors Main Structural Materials Composite, aluminum alloy, etc. Maximum Takeoff Weight 1,400kg Maximum Cruise Speed 100km/h (54KIAS) (Air speed) Range 15 km (to be gradually extended to 30-40 km with battery upgrades) About SkyDrive Inc. SkyDrive is an eVTOL company aiming "to take the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution". The company began testing eVTOL prototypes in 2014 prior to official incorporation in 2018. Under its future vision for urban transportation, flying in eVTOLs will become a regular part of city life. In 2019, SkyDrive became the first company to fly a crewed eVTOL in Japan. As of 2025, SkyDrive is working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US to acquire certification for "SKYDRIVE", the company's first commercial eVTOL product. SkyDrive began production of "SKYDRIVE" in March 2024 at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive's official production partner. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and more information, please visit: View source version on Contacts Public RelationsSkyDrive info@
