SkyDrive Takes Pre-orders of SD-05 Air Taxi for Personal Use

SkyDrive, the Japanese eVTOL manufacturer, has begun accepting pre-orders for its SD-05 aircraft for personal use. 

The Tokyo-based firm unveiled Kotaro Chiba, a licensed pilot and the first owner of a HondaJet in Japan, as its first private customer. Chiba became the first shareholder of SkyDrive in November 2018 through the DRONE FUND, a drone technology and advanced air mobility (AAM) venture co-founded and managed by Chiba.

Having been focused on the business-to-business aspect since showcasing the eVTOL design in September 2022, the company decided to pivot after receiving “numerous inquiries from individuals expressing interest in acquiring the SD-05.”

“Since we unveiled the design of our SD-05 in September 2022, we have received numerous inquiries, not only from companies but also from private individuals. As we aim to create a future where everyone has access to eVTOLs as their daily transportation, we understand that it is important that we have an option for individuals to own their aircraft,” SkyDrive Founder and CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa said. 

*Video only in Japanese

“In 2018, I was captivated by SkyDrive’s vision of the future and its innovative aircraft, fueling my dream of flying cars. Upon seeing the company’s first prototype, I was convinced that my dream was finally within reach, and I enthusiastically made the decision to invest in SkyDrive,” Chiba said. “I eagerly anticipate the exciting adventures that lie ahead in the skies with SD-05.”

Fukuzawa revealed SkyDrive received inquiries from Chiba numerous times and expressed his optimism about the SD-05 being used as a means of daily transportation. 

“We received inquiries from Mr. Chiba more than once and we are truly grateful that he confirmed the pre-order as the first individual owner right after we decided to receive pre-orders from individuals. We will develop fully automated aircraft in the future and further promote the realization of a society where everyone utilizes the sky for daily transportation,” he said. 

SkyDrive’s SD-05 is a two-seater eVTOL that is designed to travel about 10 km at a maximum cruise speed of 100 kph. The Type Certification process for the aircraft from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) is currently ongoing. 

The SD-05 is scheduled to be launched in 2025 and will offer air taxi services in the Osaka Bay area ahead of the Osaka Expo to be held that year.

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