SkyDrive expands global eVTOL partnerships and receives Japanese award

Japanese eVTOL developer SkyDrive is accelerating its international expansion through new strategic partnerships and domestic recognition. The company recently signed a memorandum of understanding with six Singapore-based technology firms, including Accuron Technologies and Volt14 Solutions, to collaborate on research and development for key aircraft components such as next-generation batteries and flight operations management.

In South Korea, SkyDrive has partnered with Verty Co. Ltd. to prepare for the commercial deployment of its SD-05 model. The collaboration includes a feasibility study for flight safety and infrastructure to support regional transit and tourism, with a target launch date of 2028.

Domestically, SkyDrive was awarded the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award at the Japan Startup Award 2026. The company aims to provide versatile air mobility solutions for tourism, medical transport, and urban transit, noting that it has already secured 445 pre-orders.