Toyota-Based Manufacturer Conducts eVTOL Demonstration Flight in Japan
SkyDrive Inc. has successfully completed a demonstration flight of its SKYDRIVE Model SD-05 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft on July 13, 2026. The flight took place at the Yamaguchi Kirara Expo Memorial Park in western Japan and simulated a scenic tour over the Seto Inland Sea, highlighting the aircraft‘s potential for tourism applications.
The event was attended by notable figures including Tsugumasa Muraoka, governor of Yamaguchi Prefecture, Toru Kawano, vice chairperson of the Yamaguchi Prefectural Assembly, and Toshihiro Suzuki, president of Suzuki Motor Corporation, which partners with SkyDrive in production.
Details of the Demonstration Flights
Both flights were conducted using autonomous control and remote piloting, with no pilot or passengers on board.
- First flight at 8 a.m.: Covered 2 km (approximately 1.24 miles) in 6 minutes and 20 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 86 km/h (about 53.4 mph) and a maximum altitude of 30 meters (approximately 98.4 feet).
- Second flight at 11:05 a.m.: Covered 1,900 meters (approximately 1.18 miles) in 5 minutes and 42 seconds, achieving a maximum speed of 54 km/h (34 mph) and a maximum altitude of 25 meters (approximately 82 feet).
The demonstration simulated the complete passenger journey, where guests arrived by road at the vertiport and transitioned directly to the aircraft, testing the planned seamless ground-to-air transfer for future commercial services.
Progress on Previous Demonstrations
SkyDrive has conducted over 300 flights of its prototype in various locations, including Toyota City, Yamaguchi City, Expo 2025 Osaka, Osaka Port, and Tokyo Big Sight in February 2026. Each demonstration has contributed to the development of the SD-05, which is targeted for commercial service in 2028.
CEO Discusses Tourism as a Key Market
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, founder and CEO of SkyDrive, expressed pride in the successful demonstration flight in Yamaguchi. He emphasized that scenic flights are a crucial component of the company’s planned eVTOL services for 2028.
Fukuzawa noted that the demonstration showcased a “seamless, zero-wait time switch from road transport to eVTOL,” highlighting the potential of next-generation urban air mobility to enhance tourism. SkyDrive also aims to collaborate with rail partners to integrate train travel with eVTOL services.
With a strong focus on safety, the company continues to advance its aircraft development and production. While tourism will be one of the initial applications, Fukuzawa stated that the broader vision includes eVTOL infrastructure to support urban and regional economies, disaster relief, and emergency medical services.