SkyDrive conducts successful demo flight of SD-05 eVTOL at Expo 2025  

Japanese electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, SkyDrive, recently conducted a demonstration flight of its SD-05 model at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. 

The flight took place during the Media Day event at the EXPO Vertiport, a dedicated eVTOL facility sponsored and operated by ORIX Corporation. 

This marks a significant milestone in SkyDrive’s development journey, as the company prepares for point-to-point and circular flights scheduled to take place at the Expo this summer. 

On this occasion, the aircraft flew at an altitude of approximately five metres for around four minutes. 

Furthermore, to ensure operational safety, the aircraft, which features automatic control systems, was flown remotely without a pilot onboard. 

Aircraft specification

The SD-05 features 12 motor and rotor units and has a seating capacity for three people—including a pilot—and a maximum cruise speed of 100 km/h. 

Currently, the aircraft has a range of 15 kilometers. Moving forward, the company plans to extend this to 30–40 kilometers through battery upgrades.

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive Inc., expressed his gratitude and pride during the event.

“Since our founding, we have embraced the vision of ‘Beyond Drive,’ as we seek to lead the upcoming revolution in airborne mobility,” said Fukuzawa. 

He added, “In August 2020, we successfully conducted Japan’s first-ever public demonstration flight of an eVTOL, 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.” 

Moreover, in 2024, SkyDrive partnered with Osaka Metro Co., Ltd. and announced the “Osaka Diamond Routes,” a network of proposed eVTOL routes connecting Shin-Osaka/Umeda, Morinomiya, Tennoji/Abeno, and the Osaka Bay Area. 

In addition, last month, the company signed a letter of intent (LoI) with Dubai-based helicopter charter company, AeroGulf Services, for the acquisition of up to 50 SKYDRIVE eVTOL aircraft. 

Both companies aim to explore business opportunities at Dubai’s leading tourist destination, Palm Jumeirah. 

Under the agreement, the alliance will explore potential flight routes and practical use cases for commercial eVTOL operations, focusing on providing sightseeing services and touristic flights at Palm Jumeirah.