SkyDrive is conducting a feasibility study to integrate its three-seat SD-05 eVTOL aircraft with local railway services in Japan. On July 4, the company signed a cooperation agreement with Kyushu Railway Company, which operates services on Japan’s third-largest island.
As part of the Japan Rail network, Kyushu Railway Company is keen to foster the growth of complementary businesses and services around its stations. It will collaborate with Japan-based SkyDrive to explore how eVTOL flights could enhance connections for local travelers and tourists, including the potential development of vertiports adjacent to train stations.
Earlier, on June 28, SkyDrive signed a memorandum of understanding with Thailand’s Saha Group to explore introducing eVTOL air services in the Southeast Asian country. Saha Group, active in developing industrial estates and operating private airfields in Thailand, will focus on air taxi use cases in Sri Racha, Pattaya, and Phuket. Through Saha’s Japanese subsidiary, they will also seek opportunities in Japan.
Additionally, in late April, the FAA accepted SkyDrive’s application for type certification of the SD-05 vehicle, which the company aims to introduce to the U.S. market. This process will aim to validate the type certification SkyDrive plans to achieve with Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau by 2026.
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