SkyDrive has been testing and verifying a design change from a seating capacity of two to three passengers for some time in order to meet the needs of operators and end-users. Now, following the completion of the patent application for a unique rotor dome design, SkyDrive has revealed the new specifications and design for its commercial aircraft. The changes will enable a more profitable operation and a more convenient and enjoyable experience. The proprietary rotor dome design enables the aircraft to accommodate three passengers while keeping the aircraft compact, while the rotor configuration optimises the power consumption of each motor to enhance power efficiency.

The production eVTOL aircraft will be named after the company, and with the design of the three seat SkyDrive matured, the company has signed a basic agreement with Suzuki Motor Corporation to proceed jointly to the next phase of manufacturing. SkyDrive will establish a wholly owned subsidiary for the purpose of manufacturing the aircraft that will utilise a production facility owned by the Suzuki Group in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Building of the eVTOL aircraft should start by spring 2024. Suzuki help secure human resources and make other preparations for the start of manufacturing.

SkyDrive CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa says: "At Suzuki, all manufacturing activities are based on the concept 'smaller, fewer, lighter, shorter and neater', and SkyDrive is developing lightweight air mobilities. Suzuki and SkyDrive have been collaborating since March 2022 and we are very excited to utilise the production facility of Suzuki to build our SkyDrive eVTOL. In our pursuit to consistently manufacture safe and high-quality aircraft for the world, we are grateful for the valuable know-how we will learn from Suzuki, a global leader in automobile mass production. Suzuki and SkyDrive will work closely towards the shared goal."

Suzuki president Toshihiro Suzuki adds: "We are excited to cooperate with SkyDrive as we ambitiously work towards creating valuable products that contribute to the realisation of a world where people use the sky for their daily transportation."

SkyDrive aims to obtain airworthiness certification in 2025 in order to fly the eVTOL at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai in Japan, followed by type certification in 2026 so that it can start mass production and delivery.

SkyDrive also aims to obtain type certification from the FAA in order to start operations in the US.