SkyDrive Completes Extended Summer Demonstration Flight Campaign in Osaka

October 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM EDT

Osaka Expo Vertiport: July 31 - August 24

Osakako Vertiport: September 14 - 23

SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, announces the successful completion of the "SKYDRIVE (SkyDrive Type SD-05)" public demonstration flight campaign. These eVTOL flights, flown over a period of approximately one and a half months, drew large crowds. The first series of flights, conducted between July 31 to August 24, took off from the "Mobility Experience" section of the Expo 2025 venue in Osaka.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251010919551/en/

The SKYDRIVE flies over the Osakako Vertiport in front of a crowd

Preceded by an opening ceremony on September 13, a further series of public flights, from September 14 to September 23, were then held at the nearby Osakako Vertiport, a takeoff and landing facility developed exclusively for eVTOL aircraft by Osaka Metro Co., Ltd., the operator of Osaka’s subway network. As the Osakako Vertiport is located in an urban area, in close proximity to residences, stores, and entertainment facilities, this second series of flights marked a significant step forward in the public acceptance of eVTOL.

The public flights at the Osakako Vertiport were preceded by a series of familiarization flights (*2) conducted from September 6 through September 12. The combination of familiarization flights and public flights at the Osakako Vertiport, continuing for a total of 18 days, is unprecedented in scope. As of September 2025, it is the most extensive development and testing program ever conducted by an eVTOL company in an urban setting (research by SkyDrive (*3)).

Demonstration Flights and Aircraft Briefing at Osakako Vertiport: Link to video: https://youtu.be/-YGZVJUF_lI

Summer 2025: Operational Highlights

- Expo Vertiport flight campaign details

July 31 - August 24: Demonstration flights (except planned no-flight days on August 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20)

Flights were generally held once daily at 9:30 AM, though some cancellations occurred during the period due to inclement weather.

- Osakako Vertiport flight campaign details

September 6-12: Familiarization flights

September 13: Opening ceremony for public flight campaign

September 14-23: Public flights (except planned no-flight days on September 17, 18)

Flights were held twice daily at 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM, though some postponements occurred on September 15, 19, and 21 due to inclement weather.

A look back at SkyDrive’s summer flight campaign:

Paving the way towards a revolution in air mobility

Between July 31 and August 24, flights from the Expo Vertiport drew large crowds of spectators from across Japan and overseas, significantly raising SkyDrive's international profile as a key player in the eVTOL industry operating out of Japan. The second series of flights at the Osakako Vertiport (see above) brought the SKYDRIVE into an urban setting for the first time, allowing local residents to see the aircraft up close in a neighborhood scheduled to host future eVTOL routes. The positive public response at both locations highlights growing anticipation over the upcoming urban air transport revolution. By demonstrating the aircraft in two distinct environments—one a global event space and the other a residential area—SkyDrive made significant strides toward building public acceptance of eVTOL technology, a critical step in the journey towards the future commercialization of the company’s products.

About SkyDrive Inc.

SkyDrive is a Japanese 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. The company successfully showcased the eVTOL 'SKYDRIVE', its first eVTOL product, through a month-long campaign of demonstration flights at the Osaka Expo, drawing thousands of spectators.

SkyDrive began production of “SKYDRIVE” in March 2024 at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive's official production partner. SkyDrive has been working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US to obtain certification for “SKYDRIVE”, and aims to launch the service in 2028. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and entrepreneur.

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

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) A familiarization flight is a practice flight held for the purpose of familiarizing an aircraft pilot with the aircraft and the flight route.

(*3) Data as of September 26, 2025. SkyDrive examined the press releases of companies listed in the AAM REALITY INDEX to identify flight schedules for demonstration flights in urban areas.