Gold Coast Helitours, a premier helicopter operator based on the Gold Coast in Australia, has reached a basic agreement on the terms for purchasing up to five SkyDrive SD-05 eVTOL aircraft, which encompasses specific pricing and a delivery schedule targeting two aircraft in 2028 and three in 2029. Furthermore, the proposed route for sightseeing services has been mutually agreed.

Driven by a growing global demand for sustainable transit options and exceptionally quiet mobility experiences, the Gold Coast is spearheading advanced air mobility (AAM) initiatives. As a top-tier resort destination in Australia with a well-established helicopter sightseeing sector, the region aims to integrate these innovative air mobility systems into practical use.

Aligning with this vision, Gold Coast Helitours, an operator with a long-standing record of safe and highly reliable helicopter flights, sought to leverage the unique advantages of eco-friendly, ultra-quiet eVTOL aircraft to transform air travel and build a new tourism ecosystem in the region.

SkyDrive and Gold Coast Helitours plan to launch Australia's first eVTOL sightseeing service in 2028, operating out of the existing heliport located at Marina Mirage, Main Beach.

An approximate 10-minute scenic loop flying over the Broadwater, Southport and Surfers Paradise will take place.

Leading up to the targeted commercial launch in 2028, SkyDrive and Gold Coast Helitours will work closely to secure necessary type certification from regulatory authorities. As a foundational step for operations, the partners will also drive the development of a dedicated vertiport and a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at Southport Airfield.

Looking ahead, the long-term vision is to utilise Southport Airfield as a central maintenance hub to build a broader eVTOL aircraft network. This network aims to seamlessly connect the Gold Coast city centre, major commercial districts and Gold Coast Airport.

Scott Menzies, chief pilot and director, Gold Coast Helitours, says: “For many years, we have provided our guests with breathtaking views of the Gold Coast from the sky. By adding incredibly quiet and environmentally-friendly eVTOL aircraft to our fleet, we can offer an unprecedented new era of air travel. This beautiful coastline is the perfect stage for such a launch.”

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, founder and CEO, SkyDrive, adds: “Gold Coast Helitours is an outstanding partner with a proven history of safe operations and a clear, forward-looking vision for next-generation mobility. We are profoundly honoured to announce our first aircraft introduction agreement in Australia alongside an operator with such industry-leading ambition.”

Based at a dedicated heliport at Marina Mirage, Main Beach, Gold Coast Helitours is a premier helicopter operator representing the Gold Coast. Boasting a diverse fleet that includes the Airbus H125 and a highly experienced staff with over 30 years in the industry, the company provides a wide array of aviation services. These range from sightseeing flights and charters to corporate transport, aerial filming, fire and rescue, and specialised cargo transport. Maintaining a flawless zero-accident safety record since its establishment, Gold Coast Helitours prioritises unmatched safety and service quality to revitalise regional tourism and address diverse community needs.