Leading Japanese eVTOL Manufacturer SkyDrive Expands Strategic Network In Southeastern USA, Focused On Florida

SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading Japanese eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) (*1) manufacturer, is pleased to announce the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Aeroauto Global, Inc (“Aeroauto”), 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 (existing partnership beyond South Carolina to Florida “SAI (*3)”) (*2) to extend their, where SAI currently boasts their second largest operational base. created a partnership cluster which, as With these two new agreements, attention to AAM smooth entry into service in 2028.

Florida is a high footprint potential market and t in Florida and beyond, expanding our influence SkyDrive has in Florida grows h ese partnership s will expand, will ensure a SkyDrive in the US’ s US Southeastern region.

By integrating SkyDrive’s proven expertise in eVTOL aircraft development with SAI’s air operations and Aeroauto’s established sales network, SkyDrive is building a comprehensive business foundation to support its U.S. market expansion. The complementary business models shared between SkyDrive, Aeroauto, and SAI represent a pivotal shift in the U.S. Advanced Air Mobility landscape, catalyzing a new wave of collaboration and operational readiness across the Southeastern corridor.

Strategic Expansion Across the U.S. Southeast Driven by the mission to “lead the once-in-a-century mobility revolution,” 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.

Future Outlook with Aeroauto 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.

Executive Comments
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. ”

About Aeroauto Global, Inc
Aeroauto Global Inc. is a Florida-based Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company focused on accelerating the commercial adoption of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company operates the world’s first dedicated eVTOL aircraft showroom and sales platform, connecting manufacturers, operators, infrastructure partners, and customers within a unified ecosystem. In addition to aircraft sales and distribution, Aeroauto supports the development of vertiport infrastructure, charging systems, maintenance capabilities, pilot training pathways, and operational partnerships needed to enable safe and scalable AAM networks. Through these initiatives, Aeroauto is helping build the commercial gateway for Advanced Air Mobility across Florida and the Southeastern United States.

More information: https://aeroautosales.com

About SAI
Founded in 2013 by third-generation aviation expert Ralph “Hunter” Cuthbertson III, SAI Flight is a leader in regional aircraft charter management based at Greenville Spartanburg International Airport (GSP). Committed to a “back-to-basics” philosophy, SAI provides a full suite of services, including aircraft maintenance, refurbishing, international ferry flights, and specialized aviation consulting. Known for its reliability
and integrity, SAI Flight continues to deliver unparalleled service and expert solutions to partners across the aviation industry.

More information: https://www.saiflight.com/

About SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive is a Japanese eVTOL company aiming “to take the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution”. The company began testing eVTOL prototypes in 2014 prior to official incorporation in 2018. Under its future vision for urban transportation, flying in eVTOLs will become a regular part of city life. In 2019, SkyDrive became the first company to fly a crewed eVTOL in Japan. In 2025, the company successfully showcased the eVTOL “SKYDRIVE”, the company’s first eVTOL product, with demonstration flights at the Osaka Expo witnessed by thousands of visitors over a one-month period. SkyDrive began production of “SKYDRIVE” in March 2024 at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive’s official production partner. SkyDrive has been working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US to obtain certification for “SKYDRIVE”, with the aim of launching the aircraft into service in 2028. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and entrepreneur.

For more information, please visit: https://skydrive.co.jp/en/

… notes from SP

(*1) “eVTOL” is an abbreviation for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing. As the name suggests, eVTOL aircraft can take off and land without a runway. eVTOLs are powered by electricity and incorporate advanced, automatic, flight control technology.

(*2) The two companies, SAI Flight Services, Inc., which provides flight services, and SAI Flight Support Inc., which handles maintenance, are collectively referred to as “SAI Flight”.

(*3) Related Press Release:* SkyDrive Establishes U.S. Subsidiary in South Carolina: https://skydrive.co.jp/en/archives/13909

(*4) Reference Press Releases:* Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Demo Flights : https://skydrive.co.jp/en/archives/16094 / https://skydrive.co.jp/en/archives/16292
Osaka Bay Area Demo Flight: https://skydrive.co.jp/en/archives/16771
Tokyo Demo Flight https://skydrive.co.jp/en/archives/17702

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Electric-Hybrid E Automotive, E Aviation, E Marine Technology & Future Innovative Electric-Hybrid VTOL Aerospace Tech News Around The World! EVHNews.com is a dedicated global digital Technology platform for EVVTOL a Global EV / Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation, E-VTOL, E-Marine Future Technology Industry Show & Expo Event Organization where the world biggest EV & E-VTOL brands invest in the future of transportation. EV H News is committed to the Electric Vehicles & EV-Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation E-VTOL-UAV E-Marine, industry including e-mobility e-semi & e-truck. This digital platform will include reviews and resources from global industry leaders, many with a focus on clean blue technology and alternative fuels where applicable. EVH news platform is for all to have access to the tools and information available for the future for breakthrough e-technology of the e-automotive, e-aviation, e-marine, e-motorcycle e-semi & e-truck e-motorsport industries. About EVVTOL • EVVTOL a new corporation branding itself as the most Influential global future technology show / expo event organization by strategically positioning itself to successfully facilitate EV and VTOL transportation industry clients with their needs! • EVVTOL’s goal is to showcase the EV & VTOL industry and introduce the major EV & VTOL vehicles and component manufactures in the e-tech world by unveiling and displaying cutting-edge EV & E-VTOL technology. • EVVTOL mission is to introduce multiple technology shows & expos including influential high-level EV business summits based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the EV & E mobility Industry, energy vehicle information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest future transportation technology advancements in EV& VTOL industry, and the battery energy challenges that still remain. (evvtol.org) 877-4EV-VTOL (877-438-8865)

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