TOYOTA, Japan, May 26, 2025 – SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading eVTOL (*1) manufacturer based in Japan, is pleased to announce the receipt of a pre-order for one SKYDRIVE (*2) aircraft from Chodai Co., Ltd. (“Chodai”) , a major provider of construction consulting services based in Tokyo.
As a construction consultant, Chodai has played a long-standing, key role in the planning, design, management and maintenance of many of Japan’s most prestigious infrastructure projects. As the reality of commercial eVTOL flight continues to draw closer, Chodai aims to leverage its expertise and experience in infrastructure management to launch a new business related to vertiports — takeoff and landing pads for eVTOL aircraft.
As an eVTOL manufacturer, SkyDrive is “taking the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution” that will transform eVTOL aircraft into a means of regular daily transportation for the general public. SkyDrive successfully conducted a demo flight of SKYDRIVE at the Osaka Expo in April 2025 and plans further flights at the Expo this summer.
In June 2022, SkyDrive and Chodai decided to combine Chodai’s experience in infrastructure provision with SkyDrive’s eVTOL technology and expertise in aircraft operations, reaching an agreement to form a partnership which is now assessing possibilities for future vertiport developments. In FY2025, SkyDrive and Chodai were joined by Osaka Metro Co., Ltd. in a three-party project designed to investigate eVTOL infrastructure and route possibilities. These investigations will lay the groundwork for the introduction of eVTOL services in the Morinomiya area of Osaka, and other surrounding areas, in the years following the Expo. In addition to exploring infrastructure and route possibilities, the project will also focus on how to guarantee safe operations and minimize noise when eVTOL transport becomes a regular part of the local transport network.
Chodai will examine a range of potential future applications for their pre-ordered SKYDRIVE with a view to harnessing the aircraft for collaborations with business partners in a diverse range of projects across fields including tourism promotion, transportation of passengers between cities and regions, and the transportation of various goods. The two companies are also working closely together with local authorities and enterprises to address regional transport issues and contribute to the creation of new airborne mobility possibilities.
Masahiro Nomoto, President of Chodai (right) and Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive
About SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive is an 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. As of 2025, SkyDrive is working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US to acquire certification for “SKYDRIVE”, the company’s latest eVTOL product. SkyDrive showcased the first public flight of the SKYDRIVE at Expo 2025 in Osaka in April 2025, with plans for further demonstration flights in summer. SkyDrive began production of “SKYDRIVE” in March 2024 at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive’s official production partner. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and entrepreneur.
For more information, please visit: https://en.skydrive2020.com/
About Chodai Co., Ltd.
Chodai is a comprehensive construction consulting firm providing a wide range of social infrastructure services. Our expertise spans surveys, planning, design, and operations across various infrastructure sectors, including bridges, roads, transportation, ports and rivers, urban planning, ITS, information systems, environmental services, and PPP/PFI projects.
In recent years, Chodai has also expanded into the advanced air mobility sector, including feasibility studies, planning, environmental assessments, and the development of vertiports to support the introduction of eVTOL aircrafts.
For more information, please visit: https://www.chodai.co.jp/en/
Editor’s Note:
(*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) “SKYDRIVE” is a product name of SkyDrive Model SD-05.
(*3) Related press release: https://en.skydrive2020.com/archives/8844
Contact:
Public Relations
SkyDrive Inc.
Email: info@skydrive.co.jp
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【SkyDrive】SkyDrive Receives Pre-Order from Chodai for the Purchase of One SKYDRIVE Aircraft_May26,2025