SkyDrive Also Releases Development And Flight Test Footage

Japanese eVTOL manufacturer SkyDrive announced that its SKYDRIVE SD-05 model successfully performed a demo flight during Media Day on April 9, 2025, in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, at Expo 2025, a worldwide event showcasing innovation and culture. The company also released recent footage of test flights and development work at its facility in Toyota City, Japan.

SkyDrive was chosen in early 2023 as one of the eVTOL makers to take part in the “Smart Mobility EXPO” under the “Future Society Showcase Project” at the Expo. The company has spent the time since in development of its aircraft with the intention of performing demo flights at the Expo as an important milestone in moving the project forward.

At the Expo, the SD-05 aircraft flew at an altitude of 5 meters or 16 feet for about 4 minutes under the control of a remote pilot. The aircraft in the demo flight was built with the same design as the original prototype built earlier and seen in the flight test footage released by the company.

SkyDrive released a video that shows the development process of SkyDrive aircraft since the company’s founding in 2018.

Tomohiro Fukusawa, CEO of SkyDrive Inc. said, “Since our founding, we have embraced the vision of ‘Beyond Drive.’ as we seek to lead the upcoming revolution in airborne mobility. In August 2020, we successfully conducted Japan's first-ever public demonstration flight of an eVTOL, greatly increasing global awareness of our company and brand.

“Since then, thanks to the support of our shareholders, customers, and many others, we have been able to make steady progress. As a result, I am truly delighted to unveil our eVTOL aircraft, ‘SKYDRIVE,’ here today at the EXPO Vertiport.

“Once again, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all our partners and stakeholders who have been supporting and collaborating with us in various ways. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of the team at SkyDrive, who, while facing numerous challenges, continue to push our development forward every single day.”

FMI:  skydrive2020.com/