SkyDrive, a compact eVTOL aircraft developer based in Japan, has received the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award (MLIT Award) at the Japan Startup Awards 2026. Hosted by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the government-sponsored awards programme honours startups that have created high-impact businesses to serve as role models for the next generation.

SkyDrive was recognised for its technological achievements in developing compact, highly economical eVTOL aircraft designed for daily transportation. Amid intensifying global competition in AAM, SkyDrive has steadily advanced its aircraft development, including conducting Japan's first public crewed flight test in 2020 and completing demonstration flights at Expo 2025 Osaka. The selection committee commended SkyDrive for driving the once-in-a-century mobility revolution forward to address urban traffic congestion and regional mobility challenges.

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, founder and CEO of SkyDrive, attended the commendation ceremony held at the Prime Minister's official residence. At the ceremony, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi experienced operating the SkyDrive eVTOL aircraft over Tokyo via a flight simulator. When inquiring about the company's business progress following Expo 2025 Osaka, the Prime Minister was shown video footage of high-speed flights and briefed on global pre-order figures. Offering her encouragement, she remarks: “It is truly remarkable how far you have come.”

“We are deeply honoured to receive the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award,” adds Fukuzawa. “Since our founding, we have been dedicated to making daily air mobility a reality through safe, compact and cost-effective eVTOL aircraft. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our team, partners and supporters. We will continue working closely with civil aviation authorities and industry partners to prepare for our commercial launch in 2028.”

Designed for commercial service launch in 2028, the SkyDrive SD-05 is a lightweight, compact and quiet eVTOL aircraft compared to conventional helicopters. Its electric powertrain features a simplified structure, reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs. Operating with a small footprint, the aircraft can take off and land in limited spaces, such as building rooftops in urban centres.

In March 2024, SkyDrive initiated serial production at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive's official production partner, capable of producing up to 100 aircraft annually. In flight testing, SkyDrive verified stable flight performance at speeds of 100 km/h in June 2026 and has achieved more than 300 accident-free flight tests to date.

SkyDrive has been working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US to obtain certification for the SD-05, with the aim of launching the aircraft into service in 2028.