During Media Day
SkyDrive, a Japanese eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft developer, conducted a public flight of its SkyDrive SD-05 model at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai site on April 9, 2025. The event occurred during the Media Day held at the Expo’s dedicated Expo Vertiport, showcasing Japan’s leadership in next-generation air mobility.
The milestone marks a significant leap towards integrating electric air taxis into urban landscapes, aligning with Japan’s vision of a smart, sustainable society. The flight, held at a specially constructed vertiport operated by Orix Corporation, gave media attendees a first-hand look at the SD-05’s capabilities and the company’s broader mission to redefine urban transportation.
In a statement during the event, Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive, shared his reflections on the company’s growth and aspirations:
“Since our inception, we’ve believed in a future ‘Beyond Drive’. In August 2020, we conducted Japan’s first-ever public eVTOL demo flight. That moment set the stage for global recognition, and since then, we’ve made consistent progress thanks to the incredible support of our shareholders, partners, and team members.
Today, I am proud to unveil our SkyDrive aircraft at the Expo Vertiport. This public flight is not just a demonstration—it’s a promise of what’s possible. I sincerely thank all those who have walked this path with us. Our mission to revolutionise mobility is only just beginning.”
He emphasised the environmental benefits of eVTOLs, which operate with minimal CO₂ emissions and significantly lower noise levels—factors essential for achieving a sustainable urban future.
Major milestone in eVTOL innovation
SkyDrive’s demo flight was part of the Smart Mobility Expo, a flagship programme under the Expo’s Future Society Showcase Project. Since being chosen as an eVTOL operator in February 2023, SkyDrive has made Expo 2025 a key goal in its development roadmap.
During the flight demonstration, the SkyDrive SD-05 hovered at a controlled altitude of about five metres for approximately four minutes, capturing the attention of both onlookers and media. The aircraft was operated remotely, showcasing its autonomous flight control systems while ensuring maximum safety, with no pilot on board.
The SD-05 is a compact, battery-powered vehicle capable of vertical take-off and landing, ideal for dense urban environments. Its low-noise operation and emissions-free flight profile make it a frontrunner in clean mobility technologies.
SkyDrive also released exclusive video footage of recent test flights conducted at its proprietary development centre in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, to complement the public unveiling. The test aircraft featured is the same model type as the one demonstrated at the Expo: the first SkyDrive SD-05 prototype.
Captured in January and February 2025, the footage offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into SkyDrive’s rigorous flight validation process. It showcases the engineering excellence, safety protocols, and operational consistency that have become hallmarks of the company’s development journey.
SkyDrive has also released a documentary video about its development, tracing its journey since its founding in 2018. The film celebrates the team’s unwavering dedication and innovation and highlights the challenges and milestones in making urban air mobility a reality.
This video allows viewers to understand better the “Beyond Drive” philosophy that drives the company forward, pushing transportation boundaries and reimagining the future of human mobility through airborne travel.
SkyDrive’s ambitions extend far beyond the 2025 Expo. In a significant move towards commercial deployment, the company has partnered with Osaka Metro to develop the ‘Osaka Diamond Routes’—a visionary network of eVTOL corridors connecting major urban areas, including Shin-Osaka/Umeda, Morinomiya, Tennoji / Abeno, and the Osaka Bay Area.
These proposed routes will eventually allow SkyDrive aircraft to provide fast, eco-friendly transport across Osaka, reducing congestion and revolutionising urban commuting. Additional plans are underway to launch similar projects across other cities in Japan, positioning SkyDrive at the forefront of Japan’s nationwide urban air mobility (UAM) efforts post-Expo.
SkyDrive SD-05 specifications
As interest grows in urban air mobility, so does the curiosity about the vehicle itself. Below are the key specifications of the SkyDrive SD-05 model:
| Dimensions (L×W×H): | Approx. 11.5m × 11.3m × 3m (37.7ft × 37ft × 10ft) including rotors |
| Seating capacity: | 3 (1 pilot + 2 passengers) |
| Power source: | Battery-electric |
| Propulsion: | 12 electric motors with rotors |
| Structural materials: | Composite materials, aluminium alloy, etc. |
| Max take-off weight: | 1,400kg |
| Cruise speed: | 100km/h (54 KIAS) |
| Operational range: | 15km (target range of 30–40km with future battery upgrades) |
These specifications are designed to meet the demands of urban mobility, offering agility, efficiency, and eco-conscious performance.
The successful flight of the SkyDrive SD-05 marks a pivotal moment for SkyDrive Inc. and the broader global eVTOL industry. As Japan positions itself as a worldwide leader in urban air mobility, SkyDrive’s innovations pave the way for a cleaner, faster, and more connected future.
From reducing traffic congestion and lowering emissions to offering seamless intercity travel, eVTOLs like the SD-05 represent a transformative shift in our thinking about urban transportation.
With the 2025 Expo poised to welcome millions of visitors worldwide, SkyDrive’s presence at Expo Vertiport is more than a technical showcase—it’s a glimpse into the aerial cities of tomorrow.
Image: During the flight demonstration at the Expo 2025 site, the SkyDrive SD-05 hovered at a controlled altitude of about five metres for approximately four minutes. Credit: SkyDrive
