Partnership will study tourism and regional transportation routes for the three-seat SKYDRIVE aircraft
Japanese eVTOL developer SkyDrive has partnered with South Korea’s Verty to prepare for commercial Advanced Air Mobility operations in South Korea.
The companies signed a memorandum of understanding covering the planned introduction of SkyDrive’s three-seat SKYDRIVE, or SD-05, aircraft. They are targeting commercial deployment by 2028.
Under the agreement, the companies will study flight safety, infrastructure needs and potential routes. Initial concepts include sightseeing flights and regional transportation.
Tourism and Regional Transportation
One potential early market is tourism. SkyDrive and Verty plan to study scenic flights around destinations including Jeju Island. They will also examine inter-city routes around the Seoul Metropolitan Area, including Goyang City.
Seoul-based Verty is developing an operating system that combines flight operations, air traffic management and vertiport operations. The company aims to become South Korea’s first operator to secure an Air Operator Certificate for eVTOL operations.
“We are thrilled to join hands with SkyDrive, Japan’s sole compact eVTOL developer currently pursuing type certification, as pioneering partners opening up a new era of air mobility in both nations,” said Dong-Woo Kim, CEO of Verty. “Verty is preparing a tourism-focused operational model for initial commercialization, which requires an aircraft that can operate short routes cost-effectively. We determined that SkyDrive’s three-seater SD-05 is the ideal aircraft for this purpose. As a committed partner, we will devote our full energy to delivering the new value SkyDrive envisions, not only in Japan but also across South Korea.”
Building Toward Commercial Operations
The agreement adds South Korea to the international markets where SkyDrive is exploring future operations. The company is also working toward type certification of the SD-05 as it targets commercial service in 2028.
“We are deeply honored to partner with Verty, a team that brings exceptional expertise and a strong network in the South Korean market,” said Tomohiro Fukuzawa, founder and CEO of SkyDrive. “South Korea is making remarkable progress with public and private sectors working together to pave the way for commercial eVTOL services. By combining our technologies and operational expertise, we look forward to offering safe, convenient and innovative air mobility options to the people of South Korea.”
The feasibility study will help the companies determine how the SD-05 could support tourism and regional transportation within South Korea’s developing AAM market.
Read more:
- SkyDrive to Evaluate eVTOL Medical Logistics Routes in Mumbai, Delhi With Air India and Suzuki
- Air India, SkyDrive and Suzuki Partner for Medical Air Logistics Study
- SkyDrive Flies SD-05 in Yamaguchi to Test 2028 Tourism Use Case
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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