Latest news with #SkyDriveInc
Yomiuri Shimbun
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Skydrive Demonstrates Flying Car at Osaka-Kansai Expo
OSAKA (Jiji Press) — The startup SkyDrive Inc. performed its first demonstration flight of a flying car for visitors at the World Exposition in Osaka City on Thursday. Toyota Motor Corp. had originally scheduled the flight for the opening day of the Expo in April, but it was canceled due to bad weather. The demonstration flights will be held daily 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. In addition to SkyDrive, Marubeni Corp., 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@
31-07-2025
- Automotive
SkyDrive Demonstrates Flying Car at Osaka Expo
News from Japan Economy Jul 31, 2025 18:56 (JST) Osaka, July 31 (Jiji Press)--Japanese startup SkyDrive Inc. performed its first demonstration flight of a flying car for visitors at the World Exposition in the western 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 it was canceled due to bad weather. The demonstration flights will be held daily 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. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
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@
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
SkyDrive and JR East Begin Discussions to Explore eVTOL Experiences at AZUMA FARM KOIWAI
TOYOTA, Japan, February 07, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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. SkyDrive is developing a lightweight, three-seater eVTOL aircraft that will play a key future role in the coming urban transport revolution. As eVTOL flights become a regular part of city life, SkyDrive seeks to lead this market transformation. JR East is dedicated to crafting travel experiences that highlight the diverse appeal of local regions, including nature, cuisine, industry, and tradition. In line with this vision, JR East launched a new hotel brand called "AZUMA FARM" in January 2025. The first hotel under this brand, "AZUMA FARM KOIWAI," will open in spring 2026 at Koiwai Farm in Iwate Prefecture. SkyDrive is collaborating with JR East to explore the possibility of offering air taxi experiences as a valuable enhancement for guests at "AZUMA FARM KOIWAI." Both companies are currently considering plans for an eVTOL route connecting Morioka city, a key access point to Koiwai Farm, to the hotel as well as tourism flights. This innovative transportation option would enable guests to enjoy stunning views of Mount Iwate and the beautiful surrounding landscapes while traveling in privacy and comfort, making travel time a truly memorable experience. SkyDrive and JR East will continue to collaborate closely and deepen discussions of essential factors such as landing and takeoff locations, flight routes, and ticket pricing. 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 2024, SkyDrive is working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US to acquire certification for "SKYDRIVE", the company's latest eVTOL product. SKYDRIVE will fly at Expo 2025 in Osaka, a major international event. 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: 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. View source version on Contacts Public Relations TeamSkyDrive info@ Sign in to access your portfolio
