SkyDrive Partners with Leading Kansai Enterprises, Including MUFG Bank, to Launch Feasibility Study for Commercial eVTOL Operations in Western Japan

SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading compact eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, announced that it has launched a joint initiative with leading enterprises in the Kansai region — including MUFG Bank Ltd. (“MUFG Bank”) and key industry leaders across transportation, aviation, infrastructure, energy, tourism and financial services — to evaluate and advance the commercial deployment and operational framework for eVTOL aircraft in Western Japan.

Background and Objectives

Driven by its mission “taking the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution” and its vision of making daily air mobility a reality, SkyDrive continues to advance the development of compact eVTOL aircraft. During Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, SkyDrive successfully conducted demonstration flights of its SKYDRIVE (SD-05) eVTOL aircraft (*2).

Following the Expo, advanced air mobility initiatives in Kansai are transitioning from technical validation to commercial integration. Practical steps to incorporate eVTOLs into daily urban transportation are accelerating rapidly across Osaka and the broader Kansai region, bringing commercial operations closer to reality. For example, under a Cabinet Office Super City research project, SkyDrive is collaborating with Osaka Metro and other partners to study converting existing rooftop emergency helipads (“H” marks) on urban buildings into vertiports (*3).

In response to this momentum, leading corporations across aviation, infrastructure, energy, tourism, finance and insurance — led by MUFG Bank — recognized that establishing a sustainable business model requires cross-industry collaboration beyond passenger services to build next-generation transport infrastructure. This shared vision led to the creation of the “Kansai Air Transportation Network Concept,” a collaborative framework designed to support the development of new industry and air mobility infrastructure originating in Kansai.

In parallel with urban infrastructure planning in Osaka, SkyDrive will leverage the strong backing of MUFG Bank and partner companies to accelerate the execution of this network concept and drive the mobility revolution across the Kansai region.

Core Focus Areas

Under this joint initiative, participating companies will combine their industry expertise and operational foundations to address the following key areas:

• Flight Network and Routes: Developing medium- and long-term flight networks and operational routes across the Kansai region
• Infrastructure Development: Planning vertiports, maintenance facilities and supporting ground infrastructure
• Operations and Safety Management: Establishing operational, maintenance and safety management frameworks
• Demand Generation and Service Integration: Creating demand and developing mobility services integrated with regional transportation and tourism
• Commercial Feasibility and Business Models: Evaluating commercial viability and building sustainable business models
• Public and Community Engagement: Collaborating and maintaining ongoing dialogue with national government agencies, local municipalities and regional communities.

  … 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) Related Press Release: https://skydrive.co.jp/en/news/16292/

(*3) Related Press Release: https://skydrive.co.jp/en/news/73083/

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EVHNews

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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