The Toyota-based eVTOL maker joins Osaka Metro, Marubeni, Soracle, and local governments to commercialize the Osakako Vertiport on Osaka Bay.
SkyDrive has launched Japan’s first consortium for the commercial operation and joint usage of an eVTOL vertiport. The Toyota-based company announced the partnership on May 8, 2026. The group will commercialize Osakako Vertiport, a dedicated eVTOL takeoff and landing site on the shoreline of Osaka Bay.
The consortium brings together the Osaka prefectural government, Osaka municipal government, Osaka Metro Co., Ltd., Soracle, and Marubeni Corporation. The site will serve as a hub for urban air mobility across the Kansai region.
Osakako Becomes Japan’s First Commercial eVTOL Vertiport
A kickoff meeting marked the launch of the consortium. The partners discussed a public-private roadmap for commercializing eVTOL services based at Osakako.
Attendees unanimously accepted a proposal from Osaka Metro to form the consortium. The group will organize and introduce commercial eVTOL operations at the vertiport.
“In order to realize the ‘Advanced Air Mobility Revolution’ that allows people to fly freely starting from the Osakako Vertiport, we are committed to driving this initiative forward as a pioneer in Japan, in collaboration with all partners,” said Hirofumi Yoshimura, Governor of Osaka Prefecture.
SkyDrive also revealed a roadmap for commercial eVTOL services from the vertiport. With backing from the prefectural and municipal governments and Osaka Metro, the consortium will study how to use existing infrastructure. That includes 146 emergency helicopter landing pads located throughout Osaka.
Earlier coverage from Dronelife reported that SkyDrive and Osaka Metro have already mapped out the Osaka Diamond Routes, a future network linking key districts across the city.
Building on the Osaka Expo Legacy
SkyDrive’s Osaka work predates the new consortium. The company signed a partnership with Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City in September 2021. It followed with a business partnership agreement with Osaka Metro in August 2024.
In 2025, SkyDrive demonstrated its SD-05 aircraft at the 2025 Osaka Expo and again at Osakako Vertiport. Both sites helped showcase the company’s progress toward commercial flight.
SkyDrive and Osaka Metro now use the vertiport as a legacy of the Expo. Together they run exhibitions, mockup boarding sessions, and panel discussions to build public awareness of eVTOL technology.
In March 2026, the Kansai Economic Federation (Kankeiren) published its vision for an Osaka Bay air mobility area served by around 100 eVTOL aircraft by 2035. The new consortium accelerates that path through public-private cooperation.
More information is available at SkyDrive.
Read More
- The Challenge of Drone Pizza Delivery: Flytrex Finally Solved It
- Headed to XPONENTIAL 2026? Don’t Miss These Partners, Panels, and Dual-Use Innovations in Detroit
- Rogue Cortex and UAS Nexus Launch Modular FPV Drone Developer Kit
Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.
Leave a Reply