SkyDrive and MASC General Incorporated Association (MASC) has signed an MoU for the pre-order of its SkyDrive’s SD-05 eVTOL aircraft for commercial use. The agreement marks a significant step forward in the development of advanced air mobility (AAM) technology in the region.

Both companies will collaborate closely to develop commercial operations and explore potential suburban routes for the SD-05 eVTOL aircraft.

The partnership aims to fully deploy aircraft in the Setouchi Islands, with the involvement of local stakeholders, contributing to the region’s economic growth and sustainable development.

MASC, a general incorporated association dedicated to promoting aerial tourism in Setouchi Islands using eVTOL aircraft, has established a new dedicated exhibition hall with a permanent display of an eVTOL in Kurashiki-city.

The exhibition hall serves as an educational showroom for the industry and aims to develop an industrial cluster in the Mizushima district of Kurashiki City, Okayama for AAM technology.

This is the second partnership SkyDrive has announced this week. The MoU with MASC follows on from the news that the Japanese eVTOL OEM will work with Kansai Electric Power Company to develop the charging infrastructure needed for eVTOL aircraft at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka. SkyDrive has been selected as a company to participate in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project at the event.

SkyDrive is currently developing a three-seater electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft called ‘SKYDRIVE. Its eVTOL is in the process of acquiring its certification from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB).

SkyDrive plans to begin production of ‘SKYDRIVE’ in the Spring of 2024 at the plant owned by official production partner Suzuki Motor Company. The company succeeded in the first crewed eVTOL flight test in Japan in 2019.