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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [TECHNOLOGY]

2 clusters · 5 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

SkyDrive eVTOL service expansion in Australia

Overview

Japanese eVTOL manufacturer SkyDrive Inc. has entered into a Letter of Intent with Gold Coast Helitours to introduce electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to Australia. The agreement includes the potential purchase of up to five SKYDRIVE Model SD-05 aircraft, with a delivery schedule aiming for two units in 2028 and three in 2029.

The partnership intends to launch Australia’s first eVTOL sightseeing service in 2028. These operations are planned to depart from the Marina Mirage heliport in Main Beach, offering a 10-minute scenic route over the Broadwater, Southport, and Surfers Paradise.

To facilitate the commercial launch, the companies plan to pursue necessary regulatory type certifications and develop infrastructure. This includes establishing dedicated vertiports and maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities at Southport Airfield to support a broader air mobility network connecting the Gold Coast city center, commercial districts, and the Gold Coast Airport.

Entities

Gold Coast · SkyDrive Inc. · Gold Coast Helitours

Timeline

  1. 28 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    SkyDrive to launch eVTOL sightseeing services in Australia

    SkyDrive and Gold Coast Helitours plan to launch Australia’s first eVTOL sightseeing service in 2028, utilizing up to five electric aircraft for scenic flights over the Gold Coast.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    SkyDrive signs agreement to launch eVTOL services in Australia

    SkyDrive Inc. and Gold Coast Helitours have signed an agreement to launch Australia’s first eVTOL sightseeing service in 2028, involving the purchase of up to five electric aircraft.

Sources

aerospacetestinginternational.com · helihub.com · prtimes.jp · smartcitiestech.io · worldbusinessoutlook.com