SkyDrive, a compact eVTOL aircraft developer based in Japan, has signed an MOU with Verty, a South Korean company building an integrated operational framework spanning flight operations, air traffic management and vertiport infrastructure. The agreement establishes a partnership to prepare for the introduction and commercial deployment of the SkyDrive SD-05 eVTOL aircraft in South Korea.

Under the agreement, SkyDrive and Verty will launch a joint feasibility study to assess flight safety, build infrastructure and map out operational routes, including scenic tourist flights and regional inter-city transit, with the goal of launching commercial deployment in South Korea by 2028.

South Korea is actively establishing policy roadmaps to foster advanced air mobility (AAM) as a foundational component of its future transportation infrastructure.

Verty is driven by its mission to accelerate AAM adoption by offering end-to-end operational solutions. Following guidelines established by the South Korean government, Verty has verified integrated operating procedures across flight operations, air traffic control and vertiport management, aiming to become South Korea's first operator to secure an AOC for eVTOLs. Through its ‘AAM as a service’ business model, Verty provides operational capability to client companies without requiring them to make heavy upfront investments in infrastructure.

SkyDrive continues to advance its mission to lead a mobility revolution by making daily air transportation a reality. Beyond Japan, SkyDrive is actively expanding its global footprint across key international markets, including the US, the UAE, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia and Taiwan.

Through this partnership, SkyDrive and Verty will work together to establish diverse commercial business models in South Korea. Focus areas include scenic sightseeing routes in key tourist destinations such as Jeju Island, as well as inter-city transport routes connecting urban centres around the Seoul Metropolitan Area, including Goyang City.

“We are thrilled to join hands with SkyDrive, Japan's sole compact eVTOL developer currently pursuing type certification, as pioneering partners opening up a new era of air mobility in both nations,” says Dong-Woo Kim, CEO of Verty. “Verty is preparing a tourism-focused operational model for initial commercialisation, which requires an aircraft that can operate short routes cost-effectively. We determined that SkyDrive's three-seater SD-05 is the ideal aircraft for this purpose. As a committed partner, we will devote our full energy to delivering the new value SkyDrive envisions, not only in Japan but also across South Korea.”

“We are deeply honoured to partner with Verty, a team that brings exceptional expertise and a strong network in the South Korean market,” adds Tomohiro Fukuzawa, founder and CEO of SkyDrive. “South Korea is making remarkable progress with public and private sectors working together to pave the way for commercial eVTOL services. By combining our technologies and operational expertise, we look forward to offering safe, convenient and innovative air mobility options to the people of South Korea.”