{"id":4267,"date":"2026-03-09T21:19:25","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T04:19:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aamnation.com\/?p=4267"},"modified":"2026-03-09T21:19:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T04:19:25","slug":"leading-japanese-evtol-manufacturer-skydrive-expands-strategic-network-in-southeastern-usa-focused-on-florida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aamnation.com\/id\/2026\/03\/09\/leading-japanese-evtol-manufacturer-skydrive-expands-strategic-network-in-southeastern-usa-focused-on-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Produsen eVTOL Terkemuka dari Jepang, SkyDrive, Memperluas Jaringan Strategis di Amerika Serikat Bagian Tenggara, Berfokus di Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"

SkyDrive Inc. (\u201cSkyDrive\u201d), 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 (\u201cAeroauto\u201d), a Florida based Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) integration partner and infrastructure provider. This agreement marks a significant milestone in SkyDrive\u2019s US expansion, solidifying its commitment to the Florida market and establishing the basic terms for the purchase of eight \u201cSKYDRIVE (SD_05)\u201d aircraft, including pricing and a delivery schedule.<\/p>\n

SkyDrive has also come to an agreement with SAI Flight (existing partnership beyond South Carolina to Florida \u201cSAI (*3)\u201d) (*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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019 s US Southeastern region.<\/p>\n

By integrating SkyDrive\u2019s proven expertise in eVTOL aircraft development with SAI\u2019s air operations and Aeroauto\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2014a major hub for the aerospace industry\u2014 as a key strategic region for business development. By combining the operational ecosystem established in South Carolina with Aeroauto\u2019s reach in Florida\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2014operator of the world\u2019s first specialized eVTOL showroom\u2014 SkyDrive will accelerate the social acceptance and practical adoption of eVTOLs in the rapidly growing Southeast market.<\/p>\n

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Executive Comments<\/strong>
\nTomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO, SkyDrive: \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sean Borman, Founder & CEO, Aeroauto: \u201cFlorida 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\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hunter Cuthbertson III, President of SAI Flight: \u201cSAI 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. \u201d<\/p>\n

About Aeroauto Global, Inc<\/strong>
\nAeroauto 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

More information<\/span>: https:\/\/aeroautosales.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

About SAI<\/strong>
\nFounded 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
\nand integrity, SAI Flight continues to deliver unparalleled service and expert solutions to partners across the aviation industry.<\/p>\n

More information: https:\/\/www.saiflight.com\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Tentang SkyDrive Inc.<\/strong>
\nSkyDrive is a Japanese eVTOL company aiming \u201cto take the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution\u201d. 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\u2019s first eVTOL product, with demonstration flights at the Osaka Expo witnessed by thousands of visitors over a one-month period. SkyDrive began production of \u201cSKYDRIVE\u201d 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 \u201cSKYDRIVE\u201d, 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.<\/p>\n

For more information, please visit: https:\/\/skydrive.co.jp\/en\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

... catatan dari SP<\/p>\n

(*1) \u201ceVTOL\u201d adalah singkatan dari Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing. Seperti namanya, pesawat eVTOL dapat lepas landas dan mendarat tanpa landasan pacu. eVTOL ditenagai oleh listrik dan menggabungkan teknologi kontrol penerbangan yang canggih dan otomatis.<\/p>\n

(*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 \u201cSAI Flight\u201d.<\/p>\n

(*3) Related Press Release:* SkyDrive Establishes U.S. Subsidiary in South Carolina: https:\/\/skydrive.co.jp\/en\/archives\/13909<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

(*4) Reference Press Releases:* Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Demo Flights : https:\/\/skydrive.co.jp\/en\/archives\/16094 \/<\/a> https:\/\/skydrive.co.jp\/en\/archives\/16292<\/a><\/span>
\nOsaka Bay Area Demo Flight: https:\/\/skydrive.co.jp\/en\/archives\/16771<\/a><\/span>
\nTokyo Demo Flight https:\/\/skydrive.co.jp\/en\/archives\/17702<\/a><\/p>\n

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SkyDrive Inc. (\u201cSkyDrive\u201d), a leading Japanese eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) (*1) manufacturer, 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