SkyDrive Secures First Pre-Order for SkyDrive eVTOL Aircraft from Austin Aviation

Japanese Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) firm, SkyDrive, has recently announced a significant milestone in its expansion plans. On July 20, 2023, the company confirmed its first pre-order for its revolutionary SkyDrive eVTOL aircraft. The pre-order Letter of Intent (LOI) was signed with Austin Aviation, a prominent charter aircraft company based in South Carolina and a subsidiary of Lowcountry Aviation Company.

SkyDrive’s vision to enter the US market and establish an AAM ecosystem in South Carolina took shape in January 2023. Collaborating with Volatus Infrastructure, the company is working on building permanent vertiports and charging stations across several US states.

South Carolina emerged as an ideal location for SkyDrive due to its strong aerospace industry presence, hosting renowned companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The state’s mild climate, flourishing tourism, and convenient airport access to city centers further complemented SkyDrive’s ambitious plans.

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, the founder and CEO of SkyDrive, expressed enthusiasm for the support received from local, regional, and state organizations in South Carolina. He highlighted the goal of placing South Carolina at the forefront of AAM infrastructure development in the US and making SkyDrive’s aircraft widely accessible in the future.

During the development phase, SkyDrive will utilize Lowcountry Aviation Company’s existing facilities on an as-needed basis while expanding its South Carolina footprint from its home base in Beaufort.

Alex Cavazzoni, President of Austin Aviation, emphasized the exciting potential of sustainable electric propulsion vertical take-off and landing vehicles in General Aviation. He believes that together with SkyDrive and other stakeholders in South Carolina, they are poised to contribute to the next chapter of General Aviation’s progress as pioneering electric technology matures into reality.

SkyDrive’s eVTOL aircraft, known as SkyDrive SD-05, is designed as a three-seater vehicle, accommodating one pilot and two passengers, and is expected to travel approximately 15 km.

The highly anticipated commercial launch of the SkyDrive SD-05 is scheduled for 2025, with its debut set to take place at Expo 2024 in Osaka, Japan. This development represents a significant advancement in the innovative world of Advanced Air Mobility, propelling the industry towards a greener and more efficient future.”