Japan’s SkyDrive signs US eVTOL deal

Japanese eVTOL maker SkyDrive has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Aeroauto Global, a Florida-based Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) integration partner and infrastructure provider. This agreement marks a significant milestone in SkyDrive’s US expansion, solidifying its commitment to the Florida market and establishing the basic terms for the purchase of eight SKYDRIVE (SD_05) aircraft, including pricing and a delivery schedule. SkyDrive has also come to an agreement with SAI Flight to extend their existing partnership beyond South Carolina to Florida, where SAI currently hosts their second largest operational base. With these two new agreements, SkyDrive has created a partnership cluster which, as attention to AAM in Florida grows, will ensure a smooth entry into service in 2028. SkyDrive is developing eVTOL aircraft to make the skies a part of everyday transportation. The company has identified the U.S. Southeast—a major hub for the aerospace industry—as a key strategic region for business development. By combining the operational ecosystem established in South Carolina with Aeroauto’s reach in Florida’s massive tourism and business markets, SkyDrive is creating a seamless regional network. This collaboration will allow SkyDrive to extend its collaborative framework with local governments and airports into Florida, leading the development of next-generation mobility infrastructure across the entire region. Under the agreement, Aeroauto plans to deploy the eight aircraft sequentially, with four units scheduled for delivery in 2028 and the remaining four in 2029. Working alongside Aeroauto—operator of the world’s first specialized eVTOL showroom—SkyDrive will accelerate the social acceptance and practical adoption of eVTOLs in the rapidly growing Southeast market. Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO, SkyDrive: “We are thrilled to welcome Aeroauto as a powerful partner in Florida, following our initial establishment in South Carolina. At SkyDrive, we are focused on demonstrating a tangible business foundation in the U.S., backed by an active supply chain and a functional sales network. Building on our success at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka and subsequent demonstrations in Tokyo, we are committed to driving market expansion across the U.S. Southeast from 2028 onward alongside our American partners.” Sean Borman, Founder & CEO, Aeroauto: “Florida represents one of the most compelling launch markets for Advanced Air Mobility anywhere in the world. Our partnership with SkyDrive brings together a powerful combination of aircraft innovation, operational expertise, and infrastructure development. Through Aeroauto’s sales platform, vertiport development initiatives, and regional partnerships, we are working to build the commercial gateway for eVTOL operations across Florida and the broader Southeast United States. We are proud to collaborate with SkyDrive and SAI Flight Services to help bring this new form of transportation into everyday use.” Hunter Cuthbertson III, President of SAI Flight: “SAI Flight Services has been growing our operations in Florida over the past years. Given our collaboration with SkyDrive and Florida’s focus on leading the US in incorporating AAM operations, we’re happy to be part of this partnership cluster. As AAM becomes a reality in the coming years, we’re thrilled to be able to offer our clientele new services.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]