This website uses cookies
More information
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.

Why visit ACE ’25?

Related background information from the Handbook...

SkyDrive
Aircraft

SkyDrive

BAN's World Gazetteer

Japan
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.

Request your printed copy

SkyDrive advances redesigned eVTOL towards manufacturing stage
SkyDrive has moved to a three seat spec for its eVTOL aircraft and has reached a basic agreement with Suzuki for the manufacture, aiming to start in Spring 2024 at Suzuki Group's plant.
Suzuki managing officer and executive general manager Hidetoshi Kumashiro with SkyDrive CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa.

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.

Other News
 
SkyDrive and JetSetGo see air mobility potential in India
January 30, 2025
Their collaboration includes a pre-order of 50 aircraft and aims to reduce congestion, emissions and travel times in Gujarat.
LCI and SMFL secure $420m loan for social projects
January 18, 2025
The funds will support emergency medical and search and rescue helicopter operations under a pioneering social loan framework.
Vertical takes $50 million in funding towards Flightpath 2030 strategy
November 28, 2024
By committing up to $50m and converting substantial debt into equity, Mudrick and Stephen Fitzpatrick are supporting Vertical, its leadership team and partners as it progresses through the certification programme.