SkyDrive, an eVTOL manufacturer based in Japan, has signed an MOU with the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), a government organisation and affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport that oversees and manages the overall transportation system in the UAE. The signing took place on day two of DRIFTx 2025, held as part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week organised by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council. ITC is going to introduce the SkyDrive SD-05 eVTOL as a means of transportation in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi is emerging as a global leader in AAM, strategically positioning eVTOL technology at the heart of its future transportation ecosystem. Under the leadership of ITC, the Emirate has launched a comprehensive initiative encompassing regulatory framework development, vertiport and charging infrastructure planning, and extensive feasibility studies, positioning Abu Dhabi to become one of the world's first cities to launch commercial eVTOL operations.

This partnership between SkyDrive and ITC represents a pivotal step toward realising this vision. The collaboration will focus on three key pillars: establishing a comprehensive eVTOL ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, developing critical infrastructure including vertiports and charging stations, and conducting thorough commercialisation feasibility studies for the SkyDrive SD-05 aircraft. Together, SkyDrive and ITC aim to transform urban mobility in the UAE capital, offering residents and visitors an innovative, sustainable and efficient transportation solution that seamlessly integrates air mobility into Abu Dhabi's smart city infrastructure.

“We are deeply honoured to partner with the Integrated Transport Centre and the Abu Dhabi government, which are demonstrating exceptional leadership in advancing both the infrastructure and regulatory frameworks necessary for eVTOL commercialisation,” says Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO and founder of SkyDrive. “Abu Dhabi's proactive approach and commitment to innovation make it an ideal partner as we work toward our vision of making the sky a part of everyday transportation. Through this collaboration with ITC, we look forward to delivering a transformative mobility experience that offers residents, business travellers and tourists a faster, cleaner and more sustainable way to navigate the Emirate.”

“These agreements reflect Abu Dhabi's commitment to building a smart, integrated transport system and adopting the latest autonomous-driving and advanced air mobility technologies, in support of our vision for more efficient and better-connected cities,” adds Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, acting director general at ITC. “As the regulatory authority for the transport sector, we are forging strategic local and international partnerships that will accelerate the shift towards future mobility solutions.”