SkyDrive has completed a demonstration flight of its SD-05 eVTOL aircraft at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai. The aircraft will continue to operate every Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through to 24 August, flying from the event’s Vertiport in the northwest corner of the venue.

The company was selected in early 2023 to participate in the event's smart mobility showcase. SkyDrive views its inclusion and operational readiness as a major milestone in the development of its aircraft. All demonstration activity has so far taken place without incident.

The Expo flights are part of the manufacturer's efforts to secure type certification for the SD-05 and move towards commercial operations. Domestically, SkyDrive is collaborating with Osaka Metro Company and Osaka City with a view to launching commercial services in the Morinomiya area by 2028. It is also working with JR Kyushu Railway Company to introduce regional services in Kyushu, including tourism flights over Beppu Bay and air taxi links to Yufuin.

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, SkyDrive's CEO, says: “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.”

He adds: “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.”